#noble x bodyguard au | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

cherie-doll · 1 month ago

Text

𓆩♡𓆪 Headcanon: They're Your Bodyguards (Royalty x Knight AU Part #2)

𖠁 Price, Ghost, Soap, Gaz, Roach, Alejandro, Rudy, Phillip Graves, Makarov, Keegan, König, Horangi, Nikto

❦ Based off this hc I had written a while back

Price

He upholds his noble promises, he wouldn't ever dare to wander too close into your life

With every string tugging at his heart, he restrains the overwhelming feelings, he remembers the oaths he's made

To keep in this way was dancing death's waltz

Oh, but your soft silhouette blending in the foliage with the aura of golden sun was refreshing like morning dew, how is it possible for the human heart to long for something it has never had? We dream of a haven, but is there hardly one on this earth?

He longs to have what is restricted, maybe what has been out of reach has always appealed to us, since children we want what is above us, as young people we crave what makes us feel alive, and in our limited existence we continue to search for it

It was all forsaken; what was left unsaid, the silent sentiment, the shared glances that were neither given nor taken, for nothing was accidental nor hidden between the both of you... only guarded

Ghost

Here is another fool, one who thinks love is a controlled emotion, have pity on him!

The only salvation he can be found guilty of on base of selfishness is imagining you imagining him, secretly he loses himself in fantasies of a future that can never be

He hath nothing but muted passion for you

And from the silence, is it possible to determine the outcome? It does nothing more but to hurt one's feelings, does the bearer more hurt than partaking in improper fantasies, for it is all in vain and a reaching for and grasping at the wind

In the end the happiest fool is miserable, the most disciplined king conquers nothing, and the bravest knight afraid of battle

What pain for nothing!

Soap

Not a word from your lips heard, not a touch felt nor a sensation given, but those eyes speak for the entire soul

This story doesn't have to be a tragedy, because no matter what it will never end the way everybody wants it to, "vivamus, moriendum est", but you'll let yourselves live blissfully

Nothing can stifle his silent joy, his merry face goes about all day desirous of crushing you with a million acts of affection

The mindless dialogue he recites, staring off into nothing as he finds your capricious eyes shining like a glow the lake flashes at the evening sun

He'll find beauty in your entire being and relate it to things because if one day, you find each other a long way off, the sentiment will remain and the earth will remember you and remind him

Gaz

What's forbidden only makes the temptation greater, hm?

With such yearning and softening of his eyes does he gaze at you, it's a feeling that's so heavy and present in the air it's impossible to ignore, an energy only igniting between you both

He's engulfed in dreams of what could be, but surely it's not all just a figment of his imagination, to a certain point you mirror his thoughts

The emotions that won't stop growing rise to the surface and threaten to breakthrough, ruining his discipline, yet are always present and showing through every act and small interaction with you

The brushing against one another, the whispers that want to turn into screams, the heart begging to be let out

Roach

It had been dawning on him, a premonition of sorts in the air since he started serving your family, as if it was destined to happen

Now as he gazes up at you from his head lying on your lap, your bodies hidden from view by the tall hedges and vines in the garden, he almost melts at the sight of you

Even if the weather isn't favorable, you walk hand in hand, free of worries for an evening or night, it feels as if the sky could be never-changing and the circumstance always right

And as he reflects back on this years later, he remembers it fondly, though now gone and far away from one another, he gathers these memories and wonders if there was no ending to it, would you two have kept laughing innocently?

He would let your name slip from his lips one last time as if calling you softly into the fading sunlight

Alejandro

Every time you cross paths after meeting and loving in secret it is like the morning after a heavy torrent of rain, you cannot hide the smiles breaking out onto your faces, nor the fidgeting of hands wanting to embrace each other

An impulse so strong that it can barely be contained when he gazes deep within your cherub eyes, your lashes fluttering as the shimmering sunlight reflects on water, this scene all too perfect

Curiously, he will gaze at you and construct the most beautiful verses he seriously believes he would have made a great poet

You're everything he's held dear, not only does he love tenderly but deeply, you hit every feeling spot within him unveiling a new world

Rudy

Oh, but he's so respectful, so contained, so true to his word, until he finds himself alone in your chambers, faced with an order he has the right to deny or be a little selfish

For once he is given choice and it is difficult to remember his priorities

How could he deny? When you're murmuring so softly, and you're welcoming him so well, making the weight on his shoulders feel lighter even if it's a false feeling only for a little while

He'll cherish that moment for a lifetime, because for once he's known what heaven feels like, smiling easier and more often

His mind drifting back to you, you're unforgettable, not just a fleeting moment but an experience

Phillip Graves

He looks curiously at what is before him; the kingdom's precious flower, and as he gazes he becomes entranced in a thread that with time will become too hard to be undone by a single pull

It starts out as a foolish act but soon grows into much more, but was he ready for what came with it? The yearning, the sensitivity and vulnerability he was exposing himself to?

With every look that gained new meaning and lost their playfulness, you became all too attached and duty no longer was first

Perhaps this was the beginning of your descent, your spiraling into doom and recklessness, crumbling and giving in to your heart who beats so wildly only once in this ephemeral sentiment

Makarov

The repetitive phrase that leaves your lips every time, "we can't do this" or "we shouldn't", always the regret setting in after saying you've let go

And frankly, he doesn't care nor does he care whether you completely let go of it or not, it'll be your stone to carry, not his

Just feel the pull between you, focus on the fact that you're in his arms right now, your royal attire loosely around your shoulders and your worries and responsibilities should be a mile off by now

Concentrate on what you feel, he's trying to remind you, there is nothing selfish in enjoying the sensations for a little while

Or is he trying to put his conscience at ease with these words he tells you? What a reflection of his soul they are, and what truth do they carry

Keegan

You find him deeply captivating and intriguing, you feel bad for having so much curiosity for him

In a room full of people and yet you always wonder if he's there among the crowd, and with so much noise in the world does he stop and listen for your voice?

So dreamlike were these short moments of delight it must've been a dream, you met only at midnight behind heavy velvet curtains that obscured all light

You could only feel with your fingertips and hear soft murmurs that you tried to memorize, you would later pray in your tucked corner of the room, whispering softly into your blankets that it was real

Someone felt for you and the memories had really happened

König

The brooding figure that wishes he had the privilege of learning about you without repercussions, without that nagging thought of it coming back to bite at him

To color in the blank spaces of unknown, wishing to reside in the intimacy of your heart and mind, to navigate what is familiar

The blossoming interest in you reflecting in his eyes, making you feel a strange sense of safety when with him, a calming feeling that you welcome too well when in his presence you find rare to recreate when alone

Not even castle walls could grant as much security as he could, they were old and empty, standing many years and guarding many families before you, it was only a false sense of security that had been handed down to you

But he, he was your own, your own to cherish and love for now and even if his love wasn't a family heirloom to pass down maybe that was fine, let yourself hold this selfishness close to your chest

Horangi

A gambling game he is playing, it's as if he has a thing for chasing after what is not secure nor certain, but that's what makes it appealing

He doesn't stick much to rules, if he does it's only for a short time until he finds his own way of doing things, he was never concerned with playing the game fair

So he's not hesitant nor does he shy from trying risky things with you, it's all a game to him

The momentum only increasing as the stakes rise and he finds himself almost tying his fate to you, wanting for once in his life a secure future he can be sure to have, to reach out for and receive

Nikto

The craving for something different and rattling came to you when you discovered his tarnished past

It was so different to what you knew, and maybe it was in that darkness and chaos that you found comfort, a world you wanted him to share with you, more intimate than any touch

More erotic and through-provoking were his shards of soul revealed to you than an affair, and his growing confusion at how easily he shared parts of him with you

A hidden memory arising from the depths of his mind, trying to show him how comforting it felt to be perceived for what you were, he wanted to indulge in it a little longer each time

He knew his desires and dreams wouldn't change a thing in his life, but this peace freed him from the chains that had been weighing heavy, he felt lighter and allowed himself to long for someone

208 notes · View notes

mismaeve · 2 months ago

Text

Honor's Downfall

↳ Honor's Downfall, Boromir x Fem!Reader, Bodyguard AU ↳ Request: may I request a !bodyguard Boromir for our dear reader ?? I imagine something with mutual pining. Make it as yearning as you may like ! (requested by anon) TW: angst, mutual pining, hurt/comfort Word Count: 1.7k A/N: I had so much fun writing this! It felt like it took on a life of its own, so I apologise if this is not what you had imagined. I tried to portray pining but I'm afraid that it might have come out as angst in stead. I really do hope you like it, and let me know your thoughts!

“How many times do I have to tell you to address me by my name?” you asked, your tone expressing your annoyance ever so clearly as you watched your bodyguard straighten his back after the ridiculous bow he insisted on performing whenever he greeted you.

“At least one more time, Princess,” Boromir gave his usual answer while his fingers moved to adjust his suit. Impeccable as always, almost to a fault.

“This may come as a shock, but “Princess” isn’t exactly my name,” you frowned.

“How awkward. For almost a year I’ve gone around and thought it was your name,” he dared to mock you in the face of your misery.

Boromir chuckled quietly as you sighed in defeat and rolled your eyes at him. It was pointless to continue your mission of trying to persuade him to abandon his manners and spit in the face of protocol. He was too noble, too honorable to do so. While it was what you admired about him – his unwavering sense of duty – it was also what broke your heart. How could you possibly dream of feeling his hands on your body when even his lips refused to utter your name?

Countless nights you had laid in your bed, imagining how sweet it would sound – your name carried by his velvety voice. Fantasizing about those strong arms around you, holding you tight against his chest - the safest place you could ever be. What you wouldn’t give to have him love you the way he guarded you – fiercely and unapologetically.

It wasn’t unheard of – you naively had tried to reassure yourself on several occasions – to develop a crush on a bodyguard. Days and nights often spent in close proximity after escaping possible danger, practically living together more often than not, the sense of security he provided when tensions were high, the cool and confident calm he always exuded – how could you not fall for his promise of always keeping you safe?

It was during those private moments away from prying eyes that you would catch a glimpse of the man hidden behind the stern exterior. His boyish smile that lit up his face when it reached his eyes, his warm laughter – so contagious and carefree you couldn’t help but laugh yourself. In those precious moments, you almost felt normal.

At least one more time, Princess.

Little did he know that there was no more time. You could no longer wait for his honor to crack.

“Well, as someone so fond of our customs, you’ll love this one – we’re going on a date,” you announced in exaggerated cheer as you got up from the couch, throwing aside the magazine that had previously rested on your lap.

“I don’t follow,” Boromir’s face morphed into a question mark, his eyebrows furrowed together as he no doubt tried to decipher your vague statement while his eyes tracked your movement across the living room.

“Tradition dictates that the royal family members must marry to secure alliances and ensure prosperity and well-being of our country.”

Boromir froze. He hadn’t expected his body to betray him like this, not when he had ordered his thoughts and desires to the deepest darkest corner of his mind. A painful ringing in his ears resonated throughout the rest of his body, suspending and trapping him in this state of cold and paralyzing terror.

He hadn’t seen this coming. His job and sole responsibility had always been to foresee any possible threats, and he had failed to see this – the greatest threat of all. The possibility of losing his princess. It’s what you were and always had been, from that very first awkward meeting when you had averted your eyes with a timid smile on your lips when he had bowed before you. His princess. Boromir had always known that he would gladly die for you, in less than a heartbeat he would willingly and gratefully give his life for yours, never suspecting that a different sort of death awaited him.

All those moments spent together, his eyes tracking your every step, admiring the graceful way in which your body moved. Boromir had often wondered how it would feel to dance with you, to mold your body to his as you glided along the music – blissfully ignorant of the world around you, endlessly lost in each other. It almost felt wicked, pretending that he was doing his job when he knew that he would gladly follow you anywhere either way. You were his sun, warming his soul with your cheerful laughter, your sparkling eyes more beautiful than any precious gem. His princess. His everything.

Now slipping through his fingers.

Boromir blinked and noticed you studying him. He cleared his throat and gathered what little of his professional composure was left at his disposal.

“I wasn’t aware of this custom,” he admitted in earnest.

“Arranged marriages are quite common for royals,” you answered plainly while your gaze still lingered on him, making him wonder if you suspected his inner turmoil.

“I thought it was only for those first in line for the crown.”

“Not always.”

“I also thought that you weren’t one for tedious customs,” Boromir remarked, surprising himself by the bold choice of words that had spilled over his lips. If you hadn’t suspected it before, you certainly would now.

From the day you met, you had fought ferociously against the weight of your title and birthright. Countless battles had been fought inside the walls of your apartment where you would demand that he disregard your noble birth and address you by your given name. Boromir had never given in, not once, even when his heart had screamed at him to oblige you. Even as you had confided in him, after suffering yet another assault by the ruthless and entitled paparazzi, about never having wanted this life, this so-called privilege - his morals hadn’t faltered once. Boromir had witnessed your struggle but had never once offered you the reprieve and normalcy that you so desperately craved. His code of conduct would not permit him to make you happy. Only ever safe.

“What do you expect me to do? I can’t even convince you - my own bodyguard - to do as I say,” you snapped at him, compelled by your own frustration.

Boromir’s words had ignited your anger, your resentment of your title reaching a violent culmination. Bitter tears stung your eyes, blurring his immaculate frame from your vision. In the face of your outburst, he stood quiet, his silence telling you what you always had feared – he would not bend for you.

You closed your eyes, forced to admit your defeat. You had to accept the cold and harsh reality – he would not allow himself to love you.

“You’re dismissed,” your whispered words were barely audible. You couldn’t trust your voice not to betray your pain and reveal the heartbreak that was in the making. He had to leave, his once reassuring presence now becoming unbearable. A living reminder of the kind of life you would never have, the kind of love that would never be yours.

Boromir stood still, his body seemingly frozen solid. Only his heart pounded a punishing rhythm, each pump echoing your dismissal of him over and over, turning his blood to ice. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, the sudden surge of emotion threatening to suffocate him.

The sight of you pained him, the urge to close the distance between you and take you in his arms to hold and comfort growing stronger by every tear that rolled down your flushed cheek. His own aching heart battled and fought against the weight of his sworn oath. What good was honor when it prevented him from soothing your soul?

You’re dismissed.

“No,” Boromir heard himself growl, the sound startling you into opening your eyes. The grief and suffering that he saw in them was enough to break the last of his resolve and jerk his body into action. Within a heartbeat he was right in front of you, his arms going around you and pulling you in for an embrace.

“I’m not going anywhere, Princess,” he promised as he held your trembling body tightly against his own, your sobs reverberating through his soul. He held you through the worst of it, his silent patience allowing you to unburden your heart.

It was quiet now. Neither of you moved, save for the measured manner in which Boromir’s fingers trickled through your hair. You could hear the steady rhythm of his heart where your ear was pressed against his chest, the sound oddly comforting. You found peace in this moment, tucked away safely in his arms where you had yearned to be for so long. If only it would last.

“You really should go,” you whispered meekly, your heart not wanting to let go.

“It’s the one thing I can’t do,” his voice was equally quiet. “But by all means, you should fire me because I can no longer work for you,” he added before pulling away enough for his eyes to find yours.

“Truth be told, I should have been fired a long time ago. A decent man would have walked away but I don’t think I am that man.”

His eyes searched yours, for what – you couldn’t tell, but the fire that burned deep within his grey irises made you hold your breath in anticipation.

Your bodyguard cupped your face, causing a soft gasp to escape your slightly parted lips in surprise. Boromir closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against yours, a heavy breath leaving his chest.

“I cannot do my job when all I want to do is this.”

Just as soon as the words had been uttered, his lips claimed yours in a kiss filled with longing equal of your own. Warmth exploded and swept over your entire body, burning away any trace of the grief you had felt only moments before, making your heart flutter and swell in response.

The kiss felt like it lasted for hours, both of you lost in the other, trying to make up for the time that had been lost. And when you finally came up for air, Boromir whispered only one thing.

Your name.

General Tag → @heilith @kanafinwe-makalaure @eunoiaastralwings @snowtargaryen @aduialel

@a-contemplation-upon-flowers @fizzyxcustard @dawn-petrichor-world @fckmini

→ If anyone wishes to be either added or removed from my taglist, let me know! ♡ → Maeve's Taglist

Gif by @gifsofhubris-a

#boromir #boromir x reader #boromir x fem!reader #boromir x you #boromir au #bodyguard au #modern au #boromir fanfic #lord of the rings #lotr

110 notes · View notes

jamscandraw · 6 months ago

Text

A Heart At Arm's Length is an Alternate Timeline/Royalty x Knight style AU where Murph replaces Darius as Coven Head after he mysteriously disappears. Steve is assigned as their personal bodyguard when they move to the castle and they start a secret relationship 🤫 More lore under the cut!

In an alternate timeline, MURPH is headhunted as a promising Abomination witch at a very young age and receives special training and mentorship from Darius. They officially become his apprentice at 16; they still attend school but are seen as a minor celebrity and incredibly isolated from their peers.

When Darius vanishes from the Boiling Isles with no trace, rumours swirl about his disappearance and Murph must take his place. Appointed at 25, they are the youngest Coven Head in history. Darius taught them a lot about power and political influence, and they maintain a careful act to gain the respect of the public and fellow coven heads, while also getting what they want. The power of appearances is very important and they permanently have a concealment stone active that makes them look flawless and glamorous no matter what. They appear calculating, sharp and a little detached when at court, but behind closed doors they are very lonely and wish for an easier, more "normal" life.

STEVE got his childhood dream - accepted into the Emperor's Coven at 18. But it hasn't been quite what he wanted up until now - lots of prison duty, late-night patrols and guarding empty corridors. So he jumps at the chance to be an escort for an important public figure - he might get to go somewhere interesting! - but is taken aback when he is assigned to Head Witch Hearthstone, who after several years in power has finally agreed to move into the castle permanently. They were never close friends, but he knew them in school, and now they're one of the most famous people on the island. He decides to remain professional and keep his identity a secret from them, but up close they're nothing like what the news says about them, and he can't help but be drawn towards them. Still, they're acting very suspiciously and Steve is worried they might be up to something other than their coven head duties. He vows to keep a close eye on them and try to learn more - you know, as part of his job...

Over time, the two gain each other's trust and their relationship grows into something more than what would be considered appropriate between a noble and their loyal bodyguard. A public romance between a coven head and a lowly scout would surely cause a scandal, and maybe even punishment for the both of them. Desperate to stay close to each other but not get caught, and afraid to reveal their true feelings too soon in an unbalanced power dynamic, they promise to keep their meetings a secret.

Both of them have to navigate political intrigue, corruption, social decorum and deceit in order to keep their affections undetected. But with the Day of Unity fast approaching and talk of treason running through the castle, can they even trust each other, and will they choose love or loyalty in the final moment?

#the owl house #toh oc #toh steve #au of the month #toh au #head witch au #murph hearthstone #my ocs #a heart at arm's length

142 notes · View notes

causeilikelix · 2 years ago

Text

Stray Kids Soulmate Smut Au Series

Member Scenarios (warnings tbd)

If you'd like to be added to the taglist for the whole series or just individual fics, please leave me a comment or shoot me an ask!

I have no posting schedule at the moment, all I know is that I'll be writing Felix's last because I know myself and I'll get carried away.

Synopsis under the cut:

In the magical world of soulmates, you can begin looking for them when you turn 21. Once you touch them, the overwhelming urge to consummate the union takes over you until you fulfill the desire.

Bang Chan (18+)

Bodyguard x bratty, younger ward au

Chan is your bodyguard who is determined to keep you out of trouble and protect you from those who want to use you to get to your rich and powerful father. The only problem? Trouble is your middle name. Going out to clubs and getting random guys to grind up on you is one of your favorite pastimes and Chan has to go along with it. You love how he gets gruff and protective when other people put their hands on you. With your 21st birthday creeping up on you, these outings get more dangerous since anyone could be your soulmate. On the fateful night of your 21st birthday, you go out to dance and when you dance with the wrong person, Chan isn’t so sure he can keep his hands off you much longer.

Minho (18+)

Prince x Maid, Bridgerton era au

Part One:

Everyone in the ton is invited to the final tea party before the Queen announces who will be the lucky lady betrothed to Prince Minho. Everyone except the help, of course. It is the final opportunity for eligible ladies of age to meet with the prince to determine if they are soulmates. The lady you work for has managed to get you into the tea because she’s not interested in the prince and would rather spend time with you. Bored, you wander around the gardens and you run into a young man who also seems to want to escape. After some banter, you touch accidentally and you realize this man is your soulmate. Once you consummate the union, you have to rush away to find your lady in time for the introduction of the prince, only to find out that you just fucked him behind a hedge. And how he can’t take his eyes off you.

How will you survive if he’s supposed to marry someone else?

Part Two:

Prince x betrothed sister, 40s Italy, past lives au

You are a noble lady who is not quite ready to enter society, being just under 21. Your older sister, however, is out and your family is in talks with the royal family to betrothe her to the prince if they cannot find his soulmate by the final masquerade ball of the summer. Luckily, you have no interest in marriage or soulmates, mostly because you think you’ve found yours already.

In a lonely bookshop that very few frequent, you’ve been sharing secret notes with another reader of your favorite poetry book. You can’t remember how it began, but all you know is that you have been corresponding anonymously with someone through notes hidden in books and you may be falling in love. Your multiple attempts to discover the identity of the person have all failed. Including promising to be at the bookstore on your birthday instead of at the ball.

On the night of the masquerade and your 21st birthday, your sister discovers her soulmate in someone else and begs you to take her place. You’re torn but ultimately agree. You dress up in your sister's gown, don your mask, and attend. While you’re there, you see Prince Minho mingling with other guests and when you lock eyes you get the sinking suspicion that you’ve met him before…

Changbin (18+)

Brothers best friend x reader college au

Your older brother, Chan, and your neighbor, Changbin, have been best friends since they were kids. You were just Chan’s little sister for years so you thought that Changbin would never look at you twice, which made your crush on him that much more difficult. Especially since you eventually developed a friendship with the three of you. Halfway through high school, your family moved away for your dad’s job but you went back to college in your hometown.

Low and behold, you run into Changbin again and your friendship picks up right where it left off. The two of you reminisce and he invites you to his place to play Mario Kart and watch Jurassic Park, just like old times. The entire time you’re at his apartment Changbin is nervous around you and you wonder why until you beat him at Mario Kart and tackle him in victory.

Changbin finds himself torn… between his soulmate and his best friend.

Hyunjin (18+)

Rich CEO x Assistant reader au

You and your boss have been exceedingly careful. Hwang Hyunjin is rich and successful and gorgeous and every single woman in his company envies your position, allowing you to be close to such an immaculate being. You, however, find it very stressful. Since you’re both successful adults who haven’t yet found your soulmates, you have to be very careful and go to extreme lengths on occasion to keep from touching. You can’t let love get in the way of your work. It doesn’t stop you from trying to quietly entice him. You often wear borderline sexy outfits to work with the hopes that one day your hot boss will finally touch you to at least see if you’re soulmates, but he’s so hot that you can’t help but feel aroused in his presence. You simply wouldn’t know until then.

One day, Hyunjin has a photoshoot and interview for a high fashion magazine and he looks incredibly delectable. You stay nearby in case he needs something but you keep to your own work. While he’s getting pictures taken, the director gives him a prompt and asks him to think about something that makes him hot. The director wants to sell sex for this collection. When you look up, Hyunjin is staring straight at you and you are not sure how much longer you can keep your hands to yourself.

Jisung (18+)

College student Jisung x slightly older college student barista reader au

Han Jisung is the bane of your existence. You’re both in the same major so you take a lot of the same classes and it’s as if he made it his personal mission to annoy you every time he sees you. He must, because he does. He does it in small ways, like asking you dumb questions during class just to get you riled up, stealing your pens, and overall being a nuisance. Why does he pay so much attention to you?

One day while you’re working at the coffee shop you’re the manager of, Jisung comes in for some coffee and specifically requests for you to make it. Despite the fact that you’re absolutely slammed, you have to comply. You make his drink and pass it to him, not realizing that your fingers brush in the process. Jisung’s demeanor changes immediately, instantly getting a little more serious. You continue working through the rush, wondering why suddenly you feel the intense urge to rail Jisung into the next century.

Closing suddenly can’t come fast enough.

Lee Felix Yongbok (18+)

Professor x graduate student au

Professor Lee’s class is one of the most coveted on campus. It fits into multiple fields of study and even the undergrad students desperately want a chance to take a class with him, even though he only teaches at the master level. You finally get a chance to take his class, lucky since it’s required for you major, and you realize why everyone wants to take his class.

He’s intelligent, he’s fun, he’s charismatic, and he’s positively stunning. He’s easily the most beautiful man you’ve ever laid your eyes on. And even you you’re initially hesitant to act like all the other students in the class and fight for his attention and a chance to touch him just to see if he’s theirs, you find yourself dressing up as well. Not to impress him! Not at all.

One day during class, he asks a few people to collect the paper that is due and you happen to be one of the people he calls on. You gather the papers and ignore the ugly looks from all the others who wish they were in your position. Professor Lee is teaching with no care in the world until you trip on the bottom stair. Papers go flying and your cheeks burn. Professor Lee gasps and helps you gather them while making sure you’re okay.

Without thinking, you reach for one of the papers at the same time and your fingers brush. Felix looks at you, eyes dark and he dismisses class without looking away from you. The class is silent for a moment before he finally tears his eyes away from you. His demeanor changes and he tells the entire class to leave unless they want to fail. You begin to scramble away to follow his orders like an obedient little girl but you freeze when he locks you in his gaze again and rasps: “Not you.”

Seungmin (18+ suggestive)

Lawyer x Lawyer au. Suggestive, no full smut

You and Seungmin have been rivals since law school. Always trying to best each other in your final grades, who got to be valedictorian (it was you), and the most important: who wins the most cases. For years, you two have been working for different law firms in the same building and have been keeping a tally of who wins what.

One day you are pitted against one another in a heated divorce case. Not your usual type of case, but you took it in order to be against Seungmin. The case is emotional and dramatic and you find yourself arguing so intensely that the judge orders a break. You both storm off to the break rooms to console your clients but the hallway is too narrow and for the first time in all these years, you brush arms.

The arousal is instantaneous and you look at each other in equal surprise. You each go to your separate chambers to calm your clients down before you excuse yourself. You seek him out, looking into each office until suddenly someone grabs your arm and pulls you into an empty conference room.

Of all people, why did it have to be him?

Jeongin (18+ Suggestive)

Tattoo artist x client au. Suggestive, no full smut.

You are too innocent for your own good. Jeongin recognizes this in you the second you walk into his tattoo shop in your short pastel skirt and matching top. You ask him if he has time to do a simple tattoo of a line-art flower on your thigh. Obsessed with you already, Jeongin quickly reschedules his next appointment and invites you in. As the only artist in his shop, he can pretty much do whatever he wants. The walls are covered in his art and you know you’ve come to the right place. You discuss the tattoo you want, you fill out the paperwork, and sit down in the chair while he prepares the stencil.

The second his fingers graze your thigh to put the stencil on, several things become apparent to you all at once. First, he’s the hottest guy you’ve ever seen. Second is that this hot guy is your soulmate and you can tell by the stickiness growing between your legs. The third and most important thing?

You forgot to put on underwear this morning.

And Jeongin?

He can definitely smell it.

445 notes · View notes

alienoresimagines · 4 months ago

Note

Dying for more crumbs of your "I was made to protect you" Bodyguard/Royalty AU if you're willing to share!

Nonnie!! 🥹🫶🏻 I swear this AU was on the backburner because I couldn't find what I wanted to do with it but your ask really kickstarted it so thank you 🥹❤️ As crumbs, here is my humble offering of John and Gale, twelve years after their first meeting, when they are safe and well in love ❤️ Yes, we're starting backwards but take this as a guarantee I won't kill off any of them 😂 As for the main fic, an outline is starting to be formed and I hope I'll manage to get a few chapters done before uni starts 🥰 But really, none of this would be here without you, so thank you 🥹💕

Also on AO3

Our love, for eternity | Buck x Bucky (Royalty/Bodyguard AU)

John cannot remember the first time someone took his hand to press a kiss on his knuckles. Maybe when he was five, and his father could no longer protect him from the incessant requests of the Council to have him properly introduced to Court? He doesn’t remember much from it, too overwhelmed by all the noise and the crowd present, his only wish to hide himself behind his father’s legs but no longer allowed to, at least not in public.

Almost thirty years later and he handles it much better, has learned to thrive on the attention and emotions of a crowd, even though he’s man enough to admit his father’s steady presence will always comfort him. Still, despite knowing it is part of protocol and that it is truly the least he can do, letting hundreds of nobles fall to their knees in front of him to bring his hand to their lips isn’t exactly on his pros list of being first Crown Prince and then King. Every day, he understands a bit better why his father chose to pass on the throne to him two years ago to live in a small cottage with Red and who knows how many horses the two men had managed to get their hands on since then. He’d gone to visit the two men just yesterday and they looked happier than ever, and John cannot deny that the idea of a small retreat in a house near the beach with Gale sounds like heaven. But alas, not for another twenty years at the least.

He can do twenty years. With Gale at his side, he could do eternity as King. And really, when Gale is the one kissing his knuckles, the entire affair is much more tolerable, not to mention enjoyable. It never fails to have John’s entire being buzz with warmth spreading from his chest whenever Gale’s calloused palm gently close around his to bring his hand to his face until the now familiar prickle of beard tickles his skin, soothed by the press of soft lips. It’s a gesture Gale loves, always making sure he holds John’s gaze when his lips touch the tender skin, eyes warm and soft, corners of his mouth turned up even as it rests gently against John’s knuckles. They could be reading side by side in John’s private chambers, loosely holding hands in the space between their two armchairs, fire gently crackling in front of them, and Gale would bring up their joined hands until he could kiss John’s knuckles, only looking up from his book once John could feel his breath fanning over back of his hand.

In all the years they’ve known each other and amongst all the different things they’ve done with and to each other, few things have felt as intimate as Gale kissing his hand, no matter how many times he’s done it. Each one feels like a vow, full of more emotions and words than anyone could ever see behind the gesture. Many people have brought John’s hand to their lips- or their forehead, an alternative he prefers with strangers, he has to admit- in a sign of loyalty. But Gale always does it in absolute devotion and love, so sincere and raw it never fails to tighten John’s throat with so many emotions he cannot name until he almost chokes on them.

To all assembled in the throne room today, it is a common gesture meant to show utmost servitude to a monarch. To John, it’s timeless proof there is no one more devoted to him and his heart than the man currently kneeling at his feet.

There’s a reverence in how Gale does it. The gentle grip in which he holds John’s right hand, letting the curve of his fingers rest against his index as he brings it closer to his face, head bowed, as if they are the only two present.

John’s hands aren’t as soft or slender as other women’s in Court. They’re calloused and rough from sword training, knuckles scarred with little cuts here and there. Gale still takes his time swiping his thumb over his knuckles, as though softly uncovering the skin. John feels like the most precious thing in the world, and he has to bite his lip to keep himself from smiling too wide. Then, to his surprise, Gale bows his head even lower until his forehead rests against John’s hand, windswept golden hair tickling the skin of his wrist. He lingers for a moment too long to be anything but on purpose, and John’s heart feels so full of love it might burst right out of his chest to leap into the waiting hands of the man kneeling in front of him. Despite the numerous scars on those war-hardened hands, none would be- and have been- as gentle and tender in holding his heart, of this John is sure.

It’s been two weeks since they’ve seen each other, the longest they’ve ever been apart since they first met, twelve years ago. Neither of them had been particularly willing, but a foreign delegation had specifically asked for Gale to be their escort back home and nothing could have justified John’s refusal; the kingdom is more at peace than it has been in years and Anglia’s relations with its neighbors always need to be strengthened.

To know that Gale had missed him as much John had missed him, enough that he’d chosen to be bolder than usual almost as though he couldn’t help himself? It sends bursts of warmth through John’s gut, golden light flowing through his veins until he feels warm all over, toes curling in his boots. Twelve years and the strength of his love for Gale still threatens to knock him off his feet.

Gale lifts his head, locking eyes with him, and though John needs to be careful of the emotions playing on his face, Gale has no such limits, his back to the rest of the room. Warm and fond and longing, cornflower eyes look up through blond lashes, the smile Gale doesn’t let curve his lips beside the faint upturn of the corners of his mouth dancing in the depths of blue. Then, finally, his lips kiss John’s knuckles in a lingering press, his beard a sweet tickle on his skin. John’s missed the touch so much that his knees feel weak upon feeling it again after two weeks of being starved for it, and a small sigh escapes his lips. Gale must hear it because he wiggles his eyebrows teasingly when he lowers John’s hand with a last caress of his thumb, and it’s all John can do not to pull him up and kiss him senseless, feel the softness of pump lips and the rough but pleasurable burn on his chin and cheeks.

The moment it is appropriate enough for them to go, John is crowding Gale in a secluded alcove until all he can taste are Gale’s kisses.

“Your Grace,” and oh, how John had missed that deep voice, the way it rumbles through his body in a shiver that goes down his spine. Heat stirs low in his belly, the familiar flames of arousal only stoked by Gale’s intense gaze as John pulls him up.

John is taking him to bed in the following hour, midday and reports be damned.

Despite this promise to himself, he can’t help the urge to feel Gale close to him, so with an arm around his shoulders, he brings him into a brief hug, clapping his hand on Gale’s shoulder a few times to mask the way he turns his head just so to bury his nose behind Gale’s ear, inhaling deeply. Nobody would blink at this display of affection, the Court well aware of John’s easygoing nature and affectionate ways with friends.

Too soon, Gale starts pulling back and John reluctantly lets him, for a moment missing the boldness of earlier but recognizing the longing in Gale’s eyes, knowing it mirrors his.

“You missed me?” Gale chuckles, shakes his head as he steps back to a more appropriate distance. His eyes don’t leave John’s face, as though carefully studying any change that might have happened in the two weeks they’d been apart.

“Like a stone in my shoe.”

Even if John cannot pull him back into his own body, hold him there with an arm around his shoulders, this is something they can do. The easy banter and fond teasing they both know all the hidden messages of. It’s there, in the warm blue of Gale’s eyes and the smile that pulls at his lips. John is sure it shows in the way his eyes crinkle, how he can barely stop his arms from reaching out again. But nobody will blink at the lack of honorifics or at the fondness coloring Gale’s tone, too used to seeing them attached at the hip when they can be, or Gale always half a step behind John in times of duty. People will smile and write about the unbreakable bond between a King and his Shield, once again proving how Royal and Shield are closer than soulmates, never knowing how true those words are.

My Clegan fics

#clegan #buck x bucky #buck squared #mota #masters of the air #mota fanfic #royalty/bodyguard AU #gale buck cleven #john bucky egan #ali writes

47 notes · View notes

tessa-liam · 10 months ago

Text

Turning the Page

A Step Back in Time, chapter 11

Choices, The Royal Romance, AU

Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son.

Turning the Page Series Masterlist

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks

All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series.

Category: On-going series, contains angst/fluff/depression. Cross-over fic with Choices, Perfect Match.

Rating: M🔞 - Warnings - Series will contain crude language, weapons, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors.

Words: 3268

A Step Back in Time, Chapter 11

Chapter Summary: Liam, Riley and William arrive for a weeklong retreat in Lythikos. Olivia takes Riley ‘under her wing’ to mentor and to offer advice for her return to court. Olivia was determined to get her friend into the right frame of mind and to ultimately get the sparkle back in her eyes.

Music Inspiration: What Was I Made for? Billie Eilish ; Lose Control, Teddy Swims

A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.

A/N2: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard. (Series cross-over with ‘Perfect Match’)

‘Cause I, ‘cause I

I don’t know how to feel

But I wanna try

I don’t know how to feel

But someday I might

Someday I might

Think I forgot how to be happy

Something I’m not, but something I can be

Something I wait for

Something I’m made for

Something I’m made for’

Cordonian Royal Palace, Capital

If you told Riley Brooks that she would be living in Cordonia, in the Royal palace, with the King of Cordonia just last summer ... she would not believe you. She would tell you that ‘once upon a time’, she fell in love with that King and competed for his hand in marriage in his social season. By reason of the cruelty of fate, and the callousness of the Royal court, that dream would be ripped away from her by a world that was foreign to her. Where outsiders, or commoners, were frowned upon and/or deemed lesser than the noble class. She would be relegated to be the other woman, the mistress to that immensely powerful man whose duty to his country dictated that he must marry a ‘chosen’ woman, even though he did not love her.

...and she had to watch that man she loved, marry another.

...because she loved him, she remained. Confiding to him, ‘I’ve made my decision ... I want to be with you. I don’t care what it looks like.’

...and it broke her.

In the Royal east wing, inside William’s bedroom, Riley meticulously packed his clothing into a large suitcase. Carefully selecting each item with love and care for their winter vacation in the Alps of Lythikos, she folded his small woolen sweaters with matching pants and jeans. Soft mittens and a woolen cap were nestled next to his favorite plushie, Scooby; ready to go with him on his snowy adventures.

"Li Li, sweetheart, come here please," Riley called out, her voice echoing through the spacious room. William bounded towards her; his eyes wide as he watched his mother pack his belongings.

"We go away, Mama?" William asked, his voice filled with wonder.

"Yes, my sweet boy," Riley replied with a smile, scooping him up into her arms and placing him down on his bed. "We're going to the mountains with your father to visit a good friend of ours. It's going to be so much fun."

William's eyes sparkled with delight at the mention of his father. In the five short months since he met his father for the first time, the bond between father and son had grown stronger exponentially. William adored Liam, who always had time for his son's playful antics in New York and now, here in Cordonia, as well. Despite his Royal duties, Liam made the point to spend as much time with William as possible. Riley was not surprised. Liam often spoke about what kind of father he wanted himself to be. The exact opposite of his own father. She could tell that Liam was trying his best to make up for all the time they had lost. And she could not be happier.

Riley continued to pack, tucking away William's favorite books and toys to keep him entertained during their trip in Lythikos. She had already arranged for snacks with the kitchens, ensuring they would have everything they needed for the long drive to the northern chateau.

Riley looked up, catching Liam's gaze.

Liam stood and silently watched, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. A gentle smile played on his lips as he watched Riley packing their son's belongings for their trip, while William happily tried to help his mother.

"Come, my King," Riley softly spoke and smiled with a playful glint in her eyes. "Help me double-check if we have everything for our little adventurer."

Liam pushed himself away from the doorframe and strolled over to Riley; he crouched down beside William, who was wide-eyed with anticipation.

“Daddy, look.” William pointed to the large suitcase, smiling happily at his father.

"Hello, my little prince," Liam greeted, ruffling William's hair. "Are you ready for an adventure?"

William giggled and nodded his head vigorously, his eyes reflecting the admiration and adoration he held for his father. Liam chuckled, “I see you have lots of toys packed.”

William climbed over to the suitcase and plucked his favorite plush to show his father.

“Ah, I see you packed your little dog. Is he your special friend?”

“Yes, Daddy. I love puppies.” William grinned, squeezing his toy.

“You do? That is good to know,” Liam winked at Riley as William returned his toy to be packed.

“I will meet you two in an hour. All right, love?” Liam asked Riley.

“Okay, Daddy,” William answered as Liam and Riley chuckled together at his response.

As Liam left to go to his study, Damien entered, bowing to Liam, “Your Majesty”.

Liam smiled and nodded 'hello' in response as he walked towards his assistant waiting in the hall followed by his security detail.

Nevrakis Chateau, Lythikos, Cordonia

Driving through the majestic mountains, Riley stared at the vista overlooking the Nevrakis chateau. Memories flooded her mind as they passed the frozen lake below. The lake where she, along with the other suitors skated on, with Liam during his social season years ago.

Riley shivered. Was it from seeing the beautiful winter landscape or from those memories of past competitions for the man she loved? Riley’s thoughts were interrupted by the happy sound of her son’s voice.

William giggled; totally enthralled by Liam’s storytelling of his past adventures in the snow. The sight of father and son was precious to Riley, as she softly smiled at the two of them. William was sitting on Liam’s lap as he pointed to the large chateau coming into view ahead.

The escalade stopped at the grand entrance of the Nevrakis chateau as members of the royal guard went into formation and opened the vehicle doors.

As they made their way toward the entrance, a flurry of snowflakes fell from the sky, adding a layer of white powder to the ground.

"Wow, this is beautiful.” Riley raised her arms to the sky. “I remember my first visit here during your social season.”

"It is. If I remember correctly, it was just as cold." Liam quipped adjusting William’s scarf.

Members of Olivia’s waitstaff greeted the party as they entered the lavish and grand estate. Standing at the base of the grand staircase, Olivia grinned as William squealed at the pair of Alaskan malamutes sitting inside the foyer.

“King Liam, Lady Riley and Prince William ... welcome to my quaint northern lodge. I am delighted to host the three of you.”

Liam approached Olivia and kissed her cheek, then gestured to Riley and William to join them.

"Olivia, it's been far too long since I last visited. The grounds are magnificent.”

"Indeed, thank you, Liam.” Olivia beamed with pride.

"Thank you for hosting us. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated.” Riley added.

"Anything for my dear friends."

Olivia's attention was drawn to William, who was petting the dogs and giggling.

"Well, hello again, prince William." Olivia walked over and knelt beside and offered treats to her two canine companions.

William looked up at her and smiled.

"Hewwo."

"He's even cuter than I remember," Olivia grinned. “This one,” she motioned to the brown tipped dog, is ‘Mischa’. And this big guy is ‘Zeus’, "she cooed.

"Now, Riley." Olivia stood and walked forward slowly, looping her arm through Riley's arm and leading her inside. "We have lots to catch up on. Liam, make yourself at home. Your Royal suite is ready for you. Gustav will be your personal attendant for your stay."

"Thank you, Liv. That is much appreciated."

"You are quite welcome. Now, Riley, let us get started on our girl time.” Liam winked at Riley, his shoulders shaking as he chuckled at Riley’s faux scared expression.

"Okay, sounds good." Riley shook her head grinning as she walked by Liam.

Olivia and Riley climbed the grand staircase and disappeared around a corner while William sat on the floor playing with the dogs.

"William, let's get you changed and settled." Liam extended his hand down for his son to take.

"Okay, Daddy."

“Bye bye puppies.” William exuberantly spoke to the large dogs.

***

Riley and Olivia sat on a plush sofa in front of a large window overlooking the mountains. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape.

"It's so beautiful here." Riley marveled at the picturesque view.

"I'm glad you like it.” Olivia proudly acknowledged as she handed a large glass filled with chardonnay to Riley.

Olivia sat back and watched Riley; her expression turning serious.

"Riley, I know that things have been difficult for you since you've come back, but you have to remember, you're a force of nature. You are stronger than you think.” Olivia was continuing the conversation of their last visit at the palace.

Riley looked down at her hands, which held onto the wine glass with a death grip. She knew the invitation to spend the week in Olivia's duchy was not just a holiday for her, Liam and William. Her once adversarial friend, and now, her good friend, wanted to assist her with reuniting with Liam.

"I can see the pain and sadness in your eyes." Olivia continued.

"Oh... "

"How is it really going? Riley, how is everything between you and Liam?"

Riley sighed and set her wine glass on the table.

"I'm...I'm not sure."

"Do you still love him?"

"Yes, of course. I have never stopped loving him.”

"Do you think he loves you?"

"Yes.” There was a small smile followed by biting her top lip.

"Then what's the problem?"

"I'm not sure."

Olivia shook her head and sighed.

"You have to trust him, Riley. He loves you. And I can see how happy William makes him.”

"I know that.”

"But there's something else, isn't there?" Olivia eyed her friend for clues.

"It's just that... we've spent so much time apart. And now that we are back together, things feel different.”

"I think I understand. That is quite normal, all things considered."

"And I'm worried that he'll eventually resent me for leaving him while I was pregnant with William."

"He could never resent you, Riley. You are the mother of his child. It'# not in his DNA.”

“I keep thinking that that there will be another scandal around the corner. That something or someone will tear us apart.”

"What happened to that confident and free spirited American girl? The one who turned the court on its' head. Where did she go?"

"I know what you are asking. I feel scared; waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

"Scared of what? And why?"

"That he won't forgive me."

"Riley, listen to me. That is your guilt talking.”

Olivia reached over and grabbed Riley's hands, looking her in the eye.

"Liam loves you. He will always love you. You and William are his world. And I know that he wants nothing more than to make you happy.”

"But..."

"But, nothing. There is no 'but'.”

"Okay." Riley was not convinced. "But, Madeleine ..."

"Is out of the picture; where Liam is concerned. You have the power of position now, make Madeleine feel it."

Riley looked at her friend and took a staggered breath.

"Most importantly, you hold the King’s heart...show the world, show Cordonia, show Madeleine what that means...you will bring her to her knees." Olivia sneered.

"This is why I wanted you to come for a visit. To remind you of who you are and what you are capable of.”

“Olivia ...” Riley sighed, shaking her head, ‘no’.

"Now. Come with me."

Olivia stood and motioned for Riley to follow.

Olivia took her down to an armory in the bowels of the chateau.

"Here we are." Olivia turned and motioned to a wall of weapons.

"What are we doing down here?" Riley asked, eyeing the collection of weapons displayed on the wall.

"We're going to do some training.”

"Training? For what?" Riley questioned, perplexed.

"For the press."

"Why do I need training for the press? With weapons?"

"Because they're vultures. They will try to get a rise out of you. They will ask rude and invasive questions. They will try to trip you up.”

"But why do you think I need training? I know you haven’t forgotten that I was subjected to them during Liam’s social season."

"Because they're relentless idiots.” Olivia sneered.

"Okay, but ...”

“Now that you are back in Cordonia, the mother of the crown prince, no less ...they want to find out your intentions with their king.”

Riley took a deep breath, closing her eyes.

"Don't worry. I'm going to teach you how to handle them.” Olivia confidently proclaimed with a smirk.

"Thank you, Olivia.” Riley sighed as she eyed the collection of pointy weaponry again.

"Of course. Now, let us get started.”

Riley was grateful for Olivia's help and advice. She knew that she was right about the press, having dealt with them through the engagement tour, after the scandal was brought to light.

Riley didn't have to know that. At least, not yet.

And she knew that she needed to be prepared. Riley understood the extent to which the press would dig and manipulate information to get a juicy soundbite. But she was not aware that Madeleine would have her own agenda to discredit and sabotage her at every chance she got, all the way from Morocco. However, Olivia was well aware of Madeleine’s spite and her bitterness over losing the crown.

"First off. I want you to choose a weapon." Olivia pointed to her collection of weaponry mounted on the wall.

"A weapon?" Riley’s eyes were wide looking at the selection before her.

"Yes. You cannot fight the press with words alone.”

"Um...okay." Riley answered sceptically.

Riley looked at each weapon closely. There were swords, halberds, axes and daggers, among others.

She picked up a sword.

"Hmm...a sword? Interesting choice."

"It's light and I can move fast.”

"Good. Particularly good.” Olivia nodded approvingly. “That would be a weapon that Liam would choose.”

“Really?” Riley admonished.

"Now, we'll practice some moves.”

"Moves?"

"Yes. Maneuvers. Stances. Blocking and parrying.”

"Wow. This is serious.”

"Indeed. I'll start slow, but don't let your guard down.”

"I won't.” Riley responded warily.

"Good. Now, attack me."

"What?" Riley looked aghast.

"Attack me."

"Oh, um ... okay."

Riley raised the sword and ran at Olivia, who easily dodged the blow.

"Is that the best you've got?"

"No.”

Riley lunged at her again, and again, Olivia sidestepped each attack.

"You're leaving yourself open.” Olivia challenged.

"I am?"

"Yes. If this was a real fight, I would have cut you down by now." Olivia chirped.

"Oh.” Riley let out a large breath, wondering to herself how this lesson was going to end.

"Here. Let me show you."

Olivia demonstrated a series of moves, her sword flashing and swooshing in the air.

"Now, you try.”

Riley imitated the movements, her sword swishing through the air.

"Better.” Olivia critiqued.

"Thanks." Riley answered questionably.

"Again.” Olivia commanded with Riley going on the defensive.

They continued to spar, their swords clashing together. Riley was impressed with Olivia's skills and ability to read her opponent and react accordingly.

As they continued to fight, Riley became more comfortable with the sword, her moves becoming more fluid and graceful. Liam slipped into the back of the room, quietly watching the sparring.

"Excellent.” Olivia praised.

"Thanks.” Riley smiled at the compliment, picking up a bottle of water.

"Now we need a target." Olivia led her to a stuffed, practice dummy.

Riley chuckled as she watched her friend attach a large face photo of Madeleine onto the head with a dagger.

"Here, let me help you." Olivia handed her an assortment of knives, before she expertly threw her dagger.

Riley's first few throws landed wide, but she quickly found her mark, sinking several blades into the center of the picture.

"Nicely done.”

"Thanks."

"Feel better?" Olivia snickered as Riley laughed.

“Yes! Yes, actually I do. But I don't understand. How is this going to help me?”

"When the press asks you questions, you need to stay calm and confident. If they try to rattle you, throw them off balance. Focus on your target.” Olivia pointed to the picture.

"Let's practice."

"All right."

"Imagine I'm a member of the press. And I ask you, 'Lady Riley, where have you been all these years?'"

Riley cleared her throat and straightened her posture.

"I've been raising my son in New York. It's where he was born and raised.”

"Why did you leave Cordonia?"

"I left to protect my child. And because I knew that King Liam had an obligation to the Queen.”

"What are your intentions now that you've returned?”

"I'm here to support my son and to be a part of his life.”

"Do you still love the King?”

"Yes, of course."

“No! STOP!!!”

Olivia moved assertively towards Riley. "This is where you say, 'that's all the questions for today’ and then you walk away from the microphones. Show confidence. Show determination. Show stoicism. Control the narrative.”

Riley raised her eyebrow. "How did you get so good at this, Olivia?"

Olivia shrugged, her shoulders rising slightly. "I'm the duchess of Lythikos. People talk. And sometimes they don't realize I'm listening."

Riley nodded, a new respect for Olivia blossoming in her heart with a renewed sense of determination in her step.

Feeling his arms, Riley giggled and leaned back against him with a content smile.

Liam sauntered up to Riley from behind, wrapping his arms around Riley’s waist.

Riley turned around to look at Liam, her eyes filled with love.

“The Royal guard will then lead you away from the gathering,” Liam interjected. “You will never be left without protection.”

"Thank you, Liam.” Riley tearfully smiled.

"I want you to know that while I am alive, you will always have a home in Cordonia. And I will never let anyone threaten that ... or you ... ever again.”

Riley felt a warm feeling in her chest and a sense of calm.

Maybe everything was going to be all right, after all. As long as she had Liam and William, she knew she could face anything.

"Liam, I love you."

"I love you, too, Riley."

Liam pressed his lips to hers, and Riley melted into his embrace. They kissed for a long moment, savoring the feel of each other's bodies.

"Come, let's go get some sleep. We have a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."

"I'm ready.*

"Pleasant dreams you two. Good night."

"Olivia, thank you for your expertise. It is much appreciated.

"Your welcome, Liam. It's my pleasure."

Good night." Riley called out.

Riley followed Liam out of the room, her hand firmly grasped in his.

And for the first time since she had come back to Cordonia, she truly felt like she was home.

"Thank you, Olivia," she whispered as she lay in Liam's arms, his steady heartbeat lulling her to sleep.

Thanks for reading; please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from this series.

My current tag list:

Perma tags: @ao719 @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234

TRR Liam & Riley TTP: @emersyn-in-cordonia @mainstreetreader @belencha77 @walkerdrakewalker @iluaaa @mysticalfangirl @queenwalton @bascmve01 @umccall71 @choicesfrog @amandablink @ownworldresident

Submissions:@choicesficwriterscreations

#tessa liam writes #the royal romance #liam rys #trr #riley brooks #trr fanfic #choices fic writers creations #king liam #king liam rys #choices liam x oc #turning the page

64 notes · View notes

fuiabarcelos · 6 months ago

Text

King of my heart

Pairing: Sam Winchester x reader.

Summary: You, the queen, have lost the love of your life, Sir Sam, and vow never to fall in love with anyone again.

Bingo: a reputation song - king of my heart .

Genre: Angst and fluff. Au!Royal - 4782 words

Warnings: Grief (I think that's all).

A/N: I'm not fluent in English, so a lot of mistakes can happen.

The crowd gathered in the hall looked at you with every new step you took, admiring your elegance and your attire. Your head was held high as you walked down the aisle among nobles and commoners, ready to take on your responsibilities as queen.

His father, the king, had died a few weeks before. An unexpected death, as he appeared to be in good health. And, as his only daughter, you were supposed to take over the throne. You weren't afraid, you had been trained and taught to be the ruler of Arcadia since you were a little girl. No one had any doubts that the kingdom would be ruled by a fair queen, and everyone looked forward to the future prosperities in store for the kingdom.

You were ready to be queen, but you weren't ready to go your own way without him. If your father's death was unexpected, Sir Sam's was even more so. The memories of your father's wake were filled with moments of honor and respect, because he had prepared you for this moment, but the memories of Sir Sam's wake were covered in tears and anguish, because you expected to spend the rest of your life with him. You wanted him to be your best friend, your husband and your king.

You grew up together, playing and having fun in the halls of the palace. His father, Sir John, was head of the guard, your father's great friend and confidant. The king knew that Sir John raised his children with honor and modesty, and that's why he let you be so close to Sam. Sam would never disrespect you.

When you were 13, Sam started writing you love letters and you had already told your father that you were interested in marrying him. You were sure that you would never meet anyone like Sam, and your love for each other grew every day. Sam admired you; his gaze was so sweet when he looked at you that everyone in the kingdom knew the feelings you both shared.

When Sir John died bravely defending the king in an attack on the enemy kingdom, his eldest son, Sir Dean, took over the role of chief of the guard, after which he appointed his brother as your bodyguard, making the two of you even closer.

Suddenly, however, everything you had came to an end the same night your father died. Sir Sam died a mysterious death, his body wasn't found in its entirety, only a few limbs. A horrible death. You couldn't believe that your love had died in such a brutal way, and you swore that when the person responsible for this was found, justice would be done.

Here you were, about to become queen, but without the love of your life by your side.

You sat on the throne. You expected to feel ecstatic as soon as you sat on the throne, but you couldn't have been more indifferent at that moment. Scanning the crowd, you came across some familiar faces: Sir Dean and Marquis Castiel, who smiled at you and curtsied. Looking at Dean, you couldn't help but think of your brother, how proud he would be to be part of your coronation, but he wasn't here, he never would be.

The archbishop finally took your crown gently and approached you.

“May I present Y/N, Queen of Arcadia” After saying these words, the archbishop finally places the crown on your head, and you quickly rise from your throne to receive the honors of those present.

“God save the queen!" Some say.

"Long live the queen!" Others exclaim.

That day your reign began, but your life ended the night your great love was killed. You would never love again.

You had already been queen for two years and the kingdom was more prosperous than ever.

"How are the preparations for my meeting with Duke Singer?" You asked your lady-in-waiting, Jody, duchess and wife of Duke Singer. They both played important roles in your development as queen, you always saw them as second parents. The duchess was just finishing putting the tiara on your head and fastening it with clips.

"Everything is in order; the duke is waiting for you in your study."

"Dear Jody," you said, turning back to face her, "do you know what this conversation is about? Is there something wrong with the affairs of our kingdom? Another rebellion to the south?" You were worried because the enemy army insisted on plundering the crops in the south.

"Yes, I know why, but I'd rather my husband told you. Please don't be anxious, Your Majesty. As for the south, the enemy army has already been defeated and the people are receiving all the protection they need."

"That comforts me. I must go and meet Duke Singer now," Jody bowed slightly in reverence.

Ever since Sir Sam was murdered, you had asked Sir Dean not to put anyone in his place, so you walked alone through the castle corridors, as you would normally do in Sam's company. One of the guards waiting in front of your office door bowed to you and then opened the door where you would meet Duke Singer.

"Your Majesty, I'm glad to see you. You've been so busy these past few days."

"The kingdom has been demanding a lot of me lately, Your Grace. Sometimes I think I won't be able to cope with everything on my own but thank heaven I have faithful companions like you to help me."

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Your Majesty" You were confused, Duke Singer wanted to talk to you about his help in the kingdom? Were you making him work too hard? Or was he thinking of offering his services to someone else? You'd do anything to stop that from happening "The nobles are charging for a... marriage."

"That subject again!" You exclaimed as you rolled your eyes and turned to leave the room, since you weren't willing to talk about it again.

"Your Majesty, please listen! I'm not asking you to forget your love for Sir Sam, God rest his soul, you of all people know that i thought of him as a son. I could never ask you to stop loving him, that wouldn't be fair."

"Then why do you insist on asking me to marry someone? Sam would be my husband, the king of my heart and of this kingdom, no one can ever take his place!"

"Queen, think about it, imagine how many benefits our kingdom will get if you get married. You know that many kingdoms give up doing business with Arcadia when they find out that an unmarried queen rules it."

"They don't think I can do it, but I've already proved in these two years that I can."

"I know you do, but think of your people. If you marry a nobleman from another kingdom, we can expand our army. Many people and soldiers have already died in the fighting to the south and many more will die if we do nothing. A marriage could be the key to our problems."

"Are you sure about that, Your Grace?"

"I would never ask such a thing of Your Majesty if I didn't have the purest conviction."

"You know I trust you with my eyes closed, Bobby. I'm willing to consider suitors if it means my people will be safe."

"Royal Proclamation

For the attention of all subjects of the Kingdom of Arcadia,

It is with great honor and respect that we announce that Her Royal Majesty, Queen Y/n, is seeking suitors for holy matrimony.

At this auspicious time, the royal court invites all worthy and noble-hearted gentlemen to come forward as potential consorts for our beloved queen."

Ever since it was announced that you were looking for a husband, the offers had been pouring in. Thousands of princes, lords, counts and dukes had come forward with the intention of obtaining your hand in marriage, but none of them had pleased you enough.

You knew that none of these gentlemen would receive your love, since you swore that it belonged to only one man and that man unfortunately could not claim the position as your husband. However, you were looking for a man you could at least put up with for the rest of your life. With marriage, you would have to fulfill your role as a wife, but it sickened you to think of lying with any of these noblemen or even giving them children.

You were about to give up when Lord Gavin introduced himself. His lands were a little far away and he had few plantations, but what caught your eye was his extensive mining of iron, silver and gold and his vast army that possessed the most innovative weapons.

"I know about your painful broken heart, Your Majesty. I wonder why you took a sudden interest in me," Gavin questioned as you walked through the garden.

"You know very well what my motives were for giving you the chance to get to know me better."

"My mines and my army, of course," he said smugly. "You know, Your Highness, I don't judge you for wanting a marriage of convenience. I too lost the woman I loved and swore never to love anyone again, just like Your Majesty."

"You swear? Tell me more." You'd like to hear Gavin talk about his grief, you were hoping to identify with his story and maybe the two of you could make some big agreements based on your feelings.

"There's not much to tell. I was only a week away from my wedding to her, but she suddenly fell ill and passed away soon after." He sighed as he looked at the horizon, your gaze followed his and you imagined Sam's eyes when you saw the mixture of the sea contracting with the green moss that covered the mountains, you wondered if Gavin also remembered his beloved as he looked at the scene "I've never felt so much pain, it was as if my soul died along with hers. Since then I've never been close to any other woman, but when I saw the proclamation saying that Your Majesty was looking for a husband, I remembered how similar your story is to mine and your promise never to love another man again. So, I thought we could take advantage of this situation."

"And how exactly do you plan to do that, Lord? You know that if we get married, we'll have to take on our responsibilities as husband and wife. And it will be impossible to keep our promises..."

"People don't need to know that we haven't consummated the marriage."

"But what about the children? I'm sure we'll be asked about the generation of an heir." You asked, feeling repulsed at the thought of begetting a son from him.

"Many kingdoms don't have legitimate heirs these days. Wouldn't you like to leave the throne to one of Duke and Duchess Singer's daughters?" You immediately thought of Claire and Alex, you imagined that Claire would renounce the throne as eldest daughter because she didn't like the idea of having that kind of obligation, she wanted to be free, but Alex might love to be queen. Regardless of which of the two assumed the throne, the kingdom would be in good hands.

"I think you may be right, if you wish, I'll have our wedding announced and I'll make sure it happens as soon as possible."

"I'm happy with your decision, Your Majesty," Gavin smiled debauchedly, happy that he had managed to convince her. Everything was going according to plan.

After your conversation with Gavin, you decided to take a walk by yourself to enjoy the morning sun and think about your decisions. Of course, you weren't happy about getting married to someone other than Sam, but this arrangement would be good for both of you, and you wouldn't have to fulfill your role as wife to Gavin. He would just be your sidekick. As you were walking, you were startled, and two hands stopped you.

"Sir Dean, you scared me!"

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I didn't mean to."

"You know there's no need for formalities, Dean. We're friends. What do you want?"

"Are you in love with him, Y/n?" He asked, his voice coming out lower than usual.

"No, of course not, Dean! You know that my heart is and always will be your brother Sam's."

"Forgive me, I don't want you to think I'm judging you. Sam would like you to move on, for this pain in your heart to go away and for you to finally be happy."

"I would be happy if he were here. But... I'm marrying Gavin, it'll be a marriage of convenience, we've agreed not to consummate the marriage and we won't have heirs, Claire or Alex will take the throne and..."

"Y/n, you don't have to explain yourself to me."

"I just want you to know that no one will ever take Sam's place, he'll always be the love of my life. It was supposed to be him walking me down the aisle."

"Are you asking for my blessing for this marriage to take place?"

"I feel guilty for saying yes to another man before the crown and God, I thought if you agreed I would feel better."

"You know that no matter what I say, this pain won't go away... but if you want to know what I think about this marriage, I think it will be good for the kingdom. I learned about the mines and Lorde's weaponry. We will have a great advantage against the enemy army, and we will be able to free the people from so much suffering. Sam will always be in our hearts, but now the kingdom needs the queen to take some action" You agreed, Sir Dean was right.

You looked at yourself in the mirror as you tried to hold back the tears in your eyes. You've always dreamed of seeing yourself in white, ready to become a wife. Sam's wife. But it wasn't him you were going to marry tonight and the tears that insisted on welling up in your eyes weren't of emotion, but of sadness. You walked to the safe where you kept all the love letters Sam had written to you.

“My dear Y/n

Today I was admiring the fine silk that the merchant brought for the making of your next ball gown and I couldn't help but remember how it looked with the softness of your skin. For a moment I was in a reverie, remembering our nocturnal caresses. Your body under mine, while my hands explored your entire body. My mouth on your breasts while you grabbed my hair and moaned softly so no one could hear, soon my mouth was on yours again as I slowly filled you.

I miss nights like this with you, my brother asked for reinforcements on the battle line in the South and for a while I had to abandon my post as your bodyguard, but I want you to know that I will be by your side again as soon as possible. And we can enjoy our love.

With love, your Sam”

“My dearly beloved princess

I was thinking about the words we said today and, for me, saying I love you wasn't enough. Y/n, you are the sun that lights up my darkest days, bringing lightness and warmth to my heart. I dream about you every night and I always wish to be with you in my arms to love and care for you.

No one in the world will be able to overcome this overwhelming love I feel for you, I know we are not old enough to get married yet, but I am looking forward to that day. The only certainty I have in life is having you in marriage and becoming yours forever.

With all the love in the world, your Sam”

You didn't have time to read a few more letters, as you were interrupted by Jody's presence.

"It's time, your majesty" When the duchess investigated your eyes, she knew exactly what was going through your head — You need to be brave, Y/n. I'm not saying as your lady-in-waiting, take this as mother to daughter advice. The deal you got with Lord Gavin was great, you won't need to break your promise.

“I know… I just” You thought about venting and crying into her lap as you grieved over the loss of Sir Sam, but there was no time for that — Nothing. Should we go."

Your legs shook as you walked down the red carpet alongside Duke Singer, your heart racing with each new step and each new thought that you would soon be Lord Gavin's wife. However, with the shred of courage you had left, you raised your head and continued walking.

"We are gathered here to unite in marriage Queen Y/n, of Arcadia, and Lord Gavin, of Hellcrest. Lord Gavin, do you accept Queen Y/n as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"Yes, I accept" He replied smiling. Without explanation, that smile gave you goosebumps of fear.

"My queen, do you accept Lord Gavin as your lawfully wedded husband?"

Tension was in the air; everyone was eager for your answer. You faced the crowd hoping something would happen so you wouldn't have to marry Lord Gavin, but the only thing that could be heard was the sound of rain hitting the ground. Even the heavens were crying. You took a deep breath, looked at the archbishop and then at Gavin and finally looked back at the crowd, but something caught your attention... someone.

“Sam” you said softly. Realizing that you had seen him, the tall man ran towards the exit, but no one seemed to have seen him, because when they held your gaze, the gentleman had already disappeared into the fog "SAM!" You shouted, running down the hall while holding up your dress.

"Majesty!" Duke Bobby ran up to you, holding on tightly, “What’s going on?”

"Bobby, I saw him. Sam is alive!"

"This is impossible!" It was Sir Dean's turn to exclaim "I know this is hard for you, Y/n, but it was probably just a mirage. My brother hasn't been with us for two years!"

"Please, let me go. I swear I saw him. He's here" You tried your best to push away the arms that held you, struggling tirelessly against them. These gentlemen should know that nothing can hold a woman in love. You finally managed to escape and ran as fast as you could to try and catch up to your loved one.

The rain and fog obscured your vision, but you continued running in the direction where you thought you saw Sam go. Because of the wet ground you slipped, but when you were about to fall, two strong arms caught you. When you looked down you realized that if he hadn't restrained you, you would have fallen into a huge cliff. You finally looked up and your stomach dropped when you saw Sam's face looking down at you with concern.

“I got you” he said as he pulled you closer.

"Sam, my love, you're alive!" Your hands went to his face, brushing away the wet strands that covered his face. Sam's smile soon appeared on his lips.

"I'm right here, my princess... I mean, my queen" Sam's lips quickly met yours, his grip tightened on your hair as you lost yourself even more in that kiss. Your hands snaked all over his body to make sure you weren't dreaming, the kiss was long and when it ended, you could barely breathe "Come on, we have to go."

"What? Go where?" You looked back and a half dozen men holding torches and swords towards you "What's going on?"

"We have to go; I need to keep you safe. We'll talk later" So you started running, your feet hurt from the tight shoes, but you blindly trusted Sam.

"Come on, come in!" Marquis Castiel was waiting for you two near a carriage "Quickly, quickly" You entered the carriage and the door soon closed, Marquis Castiel sat down next to the coachman and the vehicle began to move quickly.

You finally had a minute to take a deep breath, Sam left you to himself and started placing kisses on your head.

"I'm sorry for staying so long for so long and making you believe that I had died. You don't know how painful it was for me too, having to stay away from my loved one for two years."

"Why did you do that, Sam?"

"Because I saw who killed your father. It was all Gavin's big plan. On the night of the king's death, I saw Gavin attacking him and throwing poison into his mouth, it took seconds for your father to die. When I drew my sword to kill Gavin and avenge the king's death, his henchmen attacked me. There were many of them and there was no other knight around. Until Gavin saw you walking along your balcony and pointed a gun in your direction, he said I should go with him or else he would shoot you. He kept me imprisoned for a few days, hoping that I would give out any secret information about our kingdom, but I certainly didn't.

"If you managed to escape, why didn't you come back to our home and tell me what was happening?" You were confused by so much information.

"Lord Gavin's men were already infiltrated in your palace; I couldn't put your security at risk. I don't know why it took him so long to put the plan into action, but it gave me time to think about how I would stop him. After many weeks of travel, I managed to reach the kingdom of Hellcrest and talk to King Crowley. I discovered that Gavin's rank had been demoted from prince to lord and he had lost the right to the throne because he was against the laws of the kingdom."

The carriage was moving a lot and you got even tighter in Sam's grip.

"The army that insisted on attacking Southern Arcadia was commanded by Gavin. And it began to spread among the nobles that the Queen of Arcadia should soon find a husband. Until the proclamation was published that you were willing to marry. His plan was to marry you and kill you, the same way he killed your father, on your wedding night."

"He knew exactly how to manipulate me, telling me about the woman he had lost, that he would never fall in love again and about marriage of convenience. He knew exactly what I needed to hear, that I was reluctant about marriage, so he proposed a marriage of convenience" You looked into Sam's eyes "Sam, I never got over you. I promised to never love another man..."

"I know, Y/n. I was aware of everything you were going through during those two years. Dean told me everything."

"He knew?" Sam casually. Dean had nicely mentioned it to you "So, him giving the wedding his blessing was part of your plan?"

"Yes. I told all my discoveries to King Crowley, who was disappointed with his son's new attitudes, so he made himself available to help. I came to Arcadia, along with Hellcrest's army to stop Gavin."

"What's going on in the palace right now?"

"King Crowley's soldiers are fighting Gavin's men."

"Sam, I can't let my people be in danger! We need to go back there. I can't run away while people die."

"My queen, I assure you that everything is under control. Gavin must already be dead or imprisoned and his men must have already surrendered. Everything is fine, I promise."

"So, now we can live our love?"

"I now pronounce you man and wife!" Sam's lips brushed against his with delicacy and passion. Married.

"I will always be yours, my queen," Sam said as he looked into her eyes.

"You will forever be the king of my heart."

#sam winchester x reader #supernatural #supernatural x reader #sammy #sam x reader #sam winchesterxreader #sam winchester #spn #sam winchester x you #spn fanfic #alternate universe #royal

34 notes · View notes

all-about-kyu · 1 year ago

Text

Summary: Maybe a stupid old law isn’t so horrible after all. Pairing: Prince!Jeno x Dutchess!reader Trope: royalty au, arranged marriage au Genre: fluff Rating: PG Warning: language Word Count: 758 Note: for my Anniversary Event

Rai's Version

“I don’t give a fuck that I need to get married by next spring.” Jeno bites in a low voice.

“Your Highness-”

Jeno cuts off the royal advisor with a glare that could put anyone six feet under. Everything about this hundreds year old law was stupid. There was nothing logical about it anymore. Had this still been the 1800s or something, sure, but it was 2023. Why should he have to marry by the time he’s 24, and to someone of noble blood at that. There were plenty of people that weren’t of noble blood that would make fine rulers if given the proper training. It’s not even like people die young typically anymore, Jeno isn’t anywhere near death. Unless there was some freak accident in the palace walls, there was no way he was going anywhere.

“Jeno,” His father says in a quiet yet firm tone, “we gave you a chance to cooperate… your mother, the advisors, and I chose someone for you.”

“Like hell you did.”

His fathers face morphed into a simmering anger. Jeno knew he had pissed him off, he just couldn’t show it with the people around them. There was a knock on the door that cut through the tension in the room. After a small nod from the king, a servant stepped into the room quietly.

“She arrived.” She says meekly before bowing and leaving again.

“You brought her here?” Jeno asks, “You could’ve at least warned me before carting her all the way here.”

“It was bound to happen sooner or later son.” His father sighs, “You are engaged after all.”

As much as Jeno doesn’t want to deal with this, he knows he can’t avoid it. Letting out a sigh he pushes his dark hair out of his face and fixes his tailored white button-up. His bodyguard leads him out of the room and in the direction that his father had went. At least it’s nice out today, he thinks to himself. The sun is shining and as he looks out onto the gardens he notices his mother walking down one of the paths, parasol over her head.

“You seem thrilled to be getting married,” His bodyguard, Johnny, comments.

“You know I don’t want to get married… at least not yet.” Jeno sighs, “We both know whatever noble girl they’re sticking me with is probably spoiled rotten and horrible company.”

He and Johnny are friends despite what their roles in the palace are. From the moment Johnny was assigned to the crowned prince the two of them bonded and formed a friendship. They fill the rest of their walk to the garden with idle conversation. Nothing heavy given how sour Jeno’s mood is knowing he’s being forced into a marriage.

“What if you end up liking her?” Johnny prods once they reach the oversized glass doors that lead to the garden.

“I doubt that I’ll-”

“Jeno!” The queen enthuses, a bright smile on her face, “Come! Come! Meet your fiancée!”

You turn around and give him a gentle smile. You know he’s not thrilled about getting married, that fact is known across your social class. All you can do is hope he won’t tear you to shreds the moment you speak. Jeno looks breathless though, not a single word escapes his perfectly pouty pink lips. Taking a few steps forward you stand a meer three feet from him.

“Your Highness,” You curtsy.

Jeno still doesn’t speak. You watch as his bodyguard tries to stifle a smirk from growing on his lips before nudging the prince.

“Um- I- um-” he stutters, “Hi.”

“Are you always this well spoken, your highness?” You chuckle.

“I- uh-” He clears his throat, “Given our circumstances, I think calling me Jeno will suffice.”

You give him a sweet smile, “Well then Jeno, would you like to walk through the gardens with me? We have about two months to get to know each other before planning for our wedding starts.”

“Sure.”

Goddamn it Jeno speak like a normal human. She’s just a dutchess you need to marry. Breathe and chill the fuck out.

“Johnny, give us a bit of space, okay? I don’t want to upset the soon-to-be crowned princess.”

His bodyguard, who you now know to be Johnny, nods and tries to stifle a smirk again. Jeno lets out a small sigh and offers his arm to you. You watch as he shivers slightly at your touch. The look on his face says it all; maybe this law wasn’t the worst thing in the world.

Networks: @kwritersworld @k-vanity

Tag List: @jaehunnyy @ericssmile @anyamaris

#jeno fluff #kwritersworldnet #kvanity #nct fanfic #nct dream fanfic #nct x reader #nct dream x reader #jeno fanfic #jeno x reader

113 notes · View notes

stars-of-kyber · 2 years ago

Text

Of Noble Blood - Chapter 3

"“You wouldn’t know a place such as that, would you?” Kate was very much aware that she had grown up very sheltered, despite the fact her parents had always allowed her much more liberties than most girls she’s known in court. Her life revolved around the Lords and Ladies in Court. She had hardly even left the palace walls, and the farther she went was the family’s summer Palace a few times as a girl. Her best friend was her sister. But Anthony was staring intently at his own hands, his teeth gnawing at his bottom lip worriedly, a resigned look marring his fine features. “I do.” “Well, then. Where are we going?” “Home.”"

______________________________________________

In order to keep Kate safe, Anthony would do anything, go anywhere. Even if it is going back to the home he left 9 years before.

#my writing #Of noble blood #bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #kate sharma #kathony #my fic #princess x knight #Bodyguard AU

9 notes · View notes

instexcamera · 9 months ago

Note

I'm weak to temptation and also really loved the ramblings so may I request a Leo smut with the Former king×Loyal bodyguard AU we talked ? Afab!reader please

Pairing: King!Leo x Dog Kemonomimi!Reader

Warnings: Fingering, Vaginal Sex, Breeding kink, Dom character

A/N: Hi hi, I would like to say I apologize for how long this took, I got severely burnt out from finals and writing so I took a break which is why I have not posted, it was tiring to have to force myself to write however it is much better now! I also struggled with this some but I think it turned out ok. Also I regret ever talking about this AU because now I'm thinking of what everyone would be

Word Count: 5.3k

18+ pass this point

The coup détat was a surprise, the unwarranted banishment of the king, Leo Tsukinaga, by one of his nobles. You had followed Leo of course, having a strong sense of loyalty for him. In his luxurious days, he had taken great care of you, his most trusted knight. One of the only people who truly recognized you and held compassion. Being a kemonomimi many had assumed you were a servant, only good for simple tasks, working day in day out. Leo, however, had seen you as someone to respect, he held respect for everyone no matter what they were. He had found your fluffy ears and tail cute, and when he realized you could fight he appointed you as his own personal bodyguard.

So when the noble, Tsukasa Suou, had forcefully taken Leo's place and threw him out, you followed obediently. You did not have to flee since no banishment decree was placed upon you. Yet the thought of that caring king who you loved so much out in the wilderness alone, made you chase after him. Truth be told he could have taken care of himself. He was strong willed and thoughtful, courageous in battle and caring. He was a hunter and could acquire his own food, yet you followed.

Changing into peasant clothes, bundling up in blankets and furs, bringing a small pouch filled with a few gold coins, sword at your side you set off into the frozen wilderness after your precious king. No one had stopped you, any passerby thinking you an impoverished merchant heading out to brave the dangers of the winter with nothing but some furs and a sword to your name. Walking in the snow was unpleasant and you hadn't known where Leo had gotten but with the blizzard it must not have been too far. You were correct, half an hour of walking, when you didn't think you could continue, a splash of orange in the pristine white caught your attention.

It was Leo, lying helplessly in the snowfall, eyes closed, lips a horrible blue. They had sent him out in thin peasant garb, nothing meant for a mighty king. You had thought he would pass that day, but your immediate care for him had nourished him back slowly. Bundling him in the blankets you had brought, carrying him in your arms until you discovered a sound cave, which was where you and him "lived".

------------------------------------------------

"Wahaha! You were successful in gathering intel from the citizens! Even stealing some nut bread and sweet coffee! I will have to repay that subject in kind when I have reclaimed my rightful position." Your tail wagged unconsciously at his praise, whenever he complimented you, you couldn't shield the happiness which threatened to burst out of you. He didn't seem to mind it though, never commenting on it. Bowing down on your knees, looking up at your king's face, proudly presenting the items, "Yes my king, I shall tell you all I have learned once we sit down and eat. I do believe we have some leftover rabbit from yesterday if you wish to eat meat with our meal, or we can save it for dinner."

A ghost of a melancholy smile passes over his lips, but only for a moment, you would have missed it had you blinked. "Do not bow to me, I am no longer a king. Besides you are a trusted companion there is no need for formalities. And I have told you to not refer to me as 'king' use Leo". With a bright smile on his face, he takes the goods from your hands, abruptly turning, tiger orange hair swinging widely. Ears flattened against your head in a moment of despair, however the feeling didn't last long, your Leo was not upset just stating something he wished.

You were relieved to not be required to bow, your 'outfit', more like rags, was scratchy and itchy, hugging your body more than you appreciated. Not to mention your tail kept getting caught on some part, the fur ripping every now and then almost making you yelp. Standing back up, smoothing out the pathetic dress, oh how you wished to be back in your hunting outfit. The material was much softer and stretchy, allowing more movement and wasn't as stuffy. Changing into the outfit would be a good idea, if someone from the kingdom wandered out here it would be easier to claim you were a hunter and not tending to the king, who should be dead.

The cracking of twigs and the rustling of leaves announces Leo's presence before his voice yells out, "It's so beautiful, I know you want to eat in the cave because it's safer, but no one would come out here! And if someone did, they wouldn't mind us." This argument again, he didn't understand the citizens thought him dead. Even if it was known the king lived, Tsukasa would search the forest himself until he found him. He would execute him the moment he laid eyes on him.

"No my ki- Leo. It is too dangerous, I have told you countless times! The kingdom is restless and uneasy since your banishment. Tsukasa is struggling with his hold on power and the neighboring lands see this as an opportunity to overthrow us. If it was found that you still live they'd have your head, I do not wish to see you used as decoration such as they do to unicorns." Leo opens his mouth as if to argue with your statement, but the excitement quickly deflates as your words set in. He knew you were right, you always were, he was the one with compulsive thoughts and actions. You were the one who fought them, usually making him see reason, this time too he saw it was dangerous.

A pout on his pretty face as he looks away, body deflated as he trudged back to the cave. You hated denying him, he was always so carefree and loving, but his safety must come first. At least he understood why these actions were needed and respected them. You needed to stop dwelling on Leo, your clothes were getting no less stuffy and you were out in the open. The cave wasn't far, a change of clothes would feel so good against your skin, tail having more freedom of movement and not getting caught on the fabric was a joy you wanted too.

------------------------------------------------

The soft, stretchy fabric of your shirt was a blessing. More comfortable were the pants you were wearing, allowing for freedom of movement of your limbs and tail. Stretching it out since the dress before had cramped it some. Said dress was folded neatly and piled into a corner of the cave along with others. All were stolen from the kingdom, found in merchants' carts who were drinking away at the taverns, too drunk to realize they left a cart laden with supplies unintended. Opposite that pile were finer male garments, meant for Leo. You could rarely find anything besides peasant clothes but he never complained, always dutifully dressing in whatever was brought back.

Leo was currently setting out the few plates you had, tearing the bread apart with his hands and placing them on the plates. He had a few flowers beside him which he set on top of the bread, making an awkward sort of arrangement. Coming to sit in front of him, giggling at how he attempted to make the food presentable. The bright sun colored flowers provided a splash of color to the bread, adding in with the nuts making it look like a depressed artist's painting.

"There, a meal fit for a king because I am eating it, I bet none of the others have ever tried bread such as this before! I am the first, whaha!" Tail absentmindedly starting to wag, brushing over the cold stone of the cave floor. You admired his optimism even in the poorest of conditions. He couldn't leave this forest, let alone stroll far from the cave, having to spend his days walking the same areas or sleeping. Leo was lively and rambunctious so staying in one spot was hard for him yet he managed. When you came back from your trips to the kingdom, bareing food or supplies he would help you, instantly starting conversation.

"My dear knight, would you like some coffee? I fear it may be a tad cold since you brought it over but it shall be tasty nonetheless." He gives a small little bow, mimicking how you treat him. Holding out your stolen cup, glinting dully in the light from shining in from the midday sun. "Yes of course my king, I would be delighted." Leo pours the coffee, the rich dark liquid filling up the cup, some splashing over the side. When yours is full he fills his, his face immediately turning serious. Lunch was when you reported all your findings, perhaps coming up with a plan on how to take back the throne. "You mentioned a kingdom is planning a conquest? Is it the Land of Eternal Stars? Tenshouin is one who would, he is power hungry and has the means to achieve it." He takes a sip from his cup, verdant green eyes boring into yours. "Yes, it is all the citizens talk of but nothing is confirmed, they are all baseless assumptions." He visibly relaxes, letting out a sigh. Ignoring that, instead looking down into your own cup, reflection warped by the rich liquid.

"What about Tsukasa? Anything new about him, I already knew his control would fade. He is nothing but a child playing pretend. He will run my country to the ground if we do not attempt something." Ears drooped as you took a long sip of coffee before answering, the cold liquid was watery, the taste of coffee was barely there, this was a commoner's drink. "He is still in charge and maintaining his position however more doubt in his abilities arise. The citizens still think him a fraud and as the moons pass they feel more certain. Your battle captain, Izumi, has fled. It is not certain why but it is rumored it was from a fight. Izumi did not want to report to him or fight, calling him a wolf and saying he would rather die than be Tsukasa's protector."

Giant laughs erupt from Leo, quickly turning into coughs as he absorbs this information, putting down his cup before he spills it. "Izumi, I would have never guessed, he acted as if he loathed me, however once I am gone he wishes me back. I will have a proper conversation with him once I am back." You remember that he was right, when you had crossed paths with Izumi he seemed to despise everyone, however that must have just been his demeanor. He must be devoted to Leo to flee his home, not knowing if he can ever return.

Leo wipes tears out of his eyes, slightly shaken by held back giggles from your information. "Let us eat our meal, there is much to do before night envelopes us in her dark embrace. I also have a song I wish to sing you, I composed it while you were gone today." Nodding in agreement, spirits picking up as your ears right themselves again, looking forward to his song.

------------------------------------------------

Night had fallen which meant the moss curtain Leo and you made needed to be drawn across the cave entrance. It was made not long after you had settled here, deciding it was to be kept up most of the time so any passerby would think nothing of the hidden cave, assuming it was mossy rocks. Of course there were exceptions, sometimes the curtain was let up so sunlight could stream in, such as today. Now the winter months were passing so you often came back to find them drawn up more and more often. Chastising Leo at first until you gave in, telling him it was fine but at the first sign of a suspicious individual he needed to let it down.

Using some sticks to light a fire while Leo fixed the curtain. Striking a rock against some steel you had taken from the village, small sparks emitting until a fire caught. The days may have been warm but the nights were still cold. A small yay emits from the entrance of the cave, signaling Leo had succeeded in fixing the curtain. Your fire's crackling steadily, and the sound of footsteps getting closer announcing Leo was heading towards you.

Pulling a folded pile of clothes toward you, similar one next to it for Leo. It was your nightdress, Leo had a similar one however his consisted of a grey shirt and brown shorts. Yours was a plain flowy white, highlighting your chest however Leo never said anything. Each of you only had two pairs of night clothes. They were harder to find in the village, even harder to steal. Stripping off your shirt, feeling bare and vulnerable with nothing on. A huff from behind you signals Leo. You and him had changed in front of each other many times now, yet you found he still couldn't quite handle looking at your naked body. His face would turn beet red as he averted his eyes however you never mentioned it. Leo deserved his pride after everything which had occurred.

Pulling the light gown over your head, careful to make sure it doesn't snag on your ears. Watching as Leo bares himself of his own shirt, catching a glimpse of his scarred back before the light grey fabric covers him. You don't continue watching, knowing he'll switch his pants next. He didn't need to catch you with a flush and ears and tail perking up. This reminds you of your own pants, heavily mismatched with the white gown you wore. Quickly pulling them off, tossing them with your shirt. The feeling of the fire warmed air against your bare skin felt nice, relishing the feeling before a small cough from Leo takes your attention once more.

It was time to talk of plans to take back the throne. Every night since you had found him weak in the snow you talked of how to overthrow Tsukasa. So far none of the ideas had taken root and this night would be no different. Leo was sitting near the fire, cross legs outstretched and staring at you. He had already changed and the fire light was casting a golden hue on him. He looked ethereal in the light, such a mighty king may look on a golden dawn. "Ahem, my knight, what is the matter? We need to discuss our plan of action, we have yet to decide on one and I fear we may be running out of time. The Land of Eternal Stars will not hold off long. I need my throne so my kingdom will survive."

You start to bow before shaking your head, instead scooting closer to the warmth of the flames and Leo. Whenever it came to these plans he was serious, his impulsive tendencies rarely showed and he thought through everything. "We covered that Tsukasa is losing hold on his power. Perhaps we could use that to our advantage. The subjects could throw him off the throne if they all attempt it but I fear many innocent lives would be lost." Nodding your head yes in agreement, afraid to speak and ruin his concentration. "What if you sneak into the castle and assassinate him? That would work would it not?"

Letting out a deep sigh as you shake your head. It was not the first time he had brought up this plan and you had to deny him each time. You hated having to dash that small ray of hope he had in his eyes when you looked at him. "No Leo. I am sorry, I have told you this before. It is simply not plausible, they would catch me and execute me. You must know it is not like how it was when you ruled. They will not freely let me roam the castle, trespassers are killed on sight."

Just as the times before his eyes lose that shine as he looks down at the rocky floor. Times like these were often now and you hated how you had grown used to him losing hope. He takes a moment to stare down before his head turns up once again, eyes closed as a smile rests on his lips. "I know. Let's move on to a happier topic, one I haven't thought about in ages. Once I take the throne I need a queen and I have yet to decide who I wish to marry. I will need an heir soon, the kingdom expects it. And I wish for you to be my queen dear knight. Of course you would still be able to fight, however you would be married to me."

Looking away from him as your face heats up, hoping he would not notice. Leo had mentioned this in passing before however you hadn't thought he meant it. You remember in his office he had many letters from nobles, asking for his hand in marriage for their daughters. Simple replies of "I am sorry, I must refuse" had been sent out to all of them. You had thought that perhaps none of them had fit his taste, not that you were supposed to be queen.

Shuffling sounds from beside you remind you that you just answer Leo. You must refuse him no matter how much you may not wish too. Leo was someone you'd love to spend your life with in a more intimate relationship but he was king and you were his loyal knight. Steeling a frown on your face as you look back up, except he had moved to be right beside you. When you had been lost in your thoughts he had taken the chance to move closer, his lips were so close to yours. An expectant look in his beautiful eyes, full of love that you must dash against the jagged rocks of reality.

"I am sorry, my king. I must decline, I appreciate your offer. But I, a kemonomimi, cannot become a queen. You must know this, there was already disapproval of me being your personal knight. There would be backlash from the citizens, you cannot afford that." You didn't look at his face when you refused, looking down at his body instead. You didn't want to decline, you loved him more than anything yet, for the good of the kingdom you had to refuse. It was not an offer, it was a declaration of love you hadn't wanted to hear. A warm wet drop lands on your hand, he must be crying, but then why is your vision blurry.

Leo's hand slides under your chin, forcing you to face him. That smile hadn't left him, his face was blurry but you could make out that he had no upset look. "Why my knight, must you cry after rejecting me? This does not make it seem like a proper decline from your feelings but rather a decision made off of others opinions. I am the king, perhaps not in the castle, but I am. The subjects will listen to me, they will not find fault in you. If they do, I will address it, you will not deal with that issue." That would explain the tears, they were not his, but yours. That is why he is not giving up, your despair at your own rejection shows through. Before you can respond his lips press against yours, soft then with more intensity. His were surprisingly soft, even after months of going without his lotions and creams. Yours are cracked and dry, never really using any of the products he had given you. He had no care for how rough yours felt, continuing the kiss.

The hand on your chin moves up to wipe away the tears that had fallen. Your crying had stopped. Leo's other hand moving up your body, stopping at your ears, stroking at the base where he knew it was most sensitive. His hands felt so nice, no had ever done something like this before. Moaning a little into the kiss before catching yourself, attempting to act as if nothing happened. Leo must have heard as you feel him press more of his body against you, forcing you to lay back. You could feel the cold stone underneath your back, your nightdress being no barrier. It would be uncomfortable in this position for both you and him if he continued which you are sure he would do.

Diss connects your lips from his as he moves to your neck, kissing it. The feeling was foreign, making you shiver. "Leo, move to the blankets please." The words came out strained, he was affecting you more than you realized. A small hum comes from him as the hand in your hair slides down to your back, his other hand does too. The feeling of his kisses leave as he picks you up to shuffle over the few feet to reach the blankets, dumping you on them in an haphazard way. The impact makes you let out an oomph, tail striking the ground in an awkward way causing pain to spike. Before you could protest Leo was on you once more, one hand reaching around to soothe where your tail hit, other hand dipping under your gown.

"I'll put an heir into you sooner rather than later, so even if you are worried they cannot ignore you if you have my child. Wouldn't you like that too my knight? It must be the greatest honor to have me take you in this way." Nodding your head along to his words, too afraid to speak and have an embarrassing yelp leave instead. Your attention was focusing less on his filthy words than the way his hand was making its way up your stomach. Leo's hands were calloused from days using a sword, which were many. Having a personal knight did not deter him from fighting in battles. Today you appreciated his battle worn hands more than ever as they pinch at your nipple.

Much to your embarrassment, your thin gown wasn't doing much to hide the bud as it hardened. Poking through the fabric when Leo moves his hand away. You feel your face flush harder as you look away into the fire, hoping you weren't as red as you felt. It wasn't long until you felt the hand on your tail slide up, grabbing at your waist. Leo had been quiet for a while, silently twisting and pulling at your nipple as you struggled to stay quiet and still. It wasn't long until his head dips down to take the nipple he had been messing with into his mouth. His sharp fangs graze the skin slightly as he sucks on it, making you arch, chest pressing itself further into Leo's warm mouth.

One of his hands trails down till it reaches your panties, pulling slightly at the waist and before dipping a finger inside. Gasping, waiting for him to slip a finger inside yet the feeling never comes. He lets his hand rest on your warm skin. You almost want to cry out but the way he was sucking on your nipple and how his other hand was placing itself in your hair you don't. His hand brushes over your ear which was pinned down as you succumb to the pleasure he's giving to you. His index traces the outline of the base of your ear ever so slowly making a keen leave you. Leo was being so mean, he was teasing you, you could feel the way the corners of his mouth were lifted in a smile.

Suddenly, the feeling of his mouth is gone, leaving you feeling cold. You don't let out any noise, knowing you were lucky to receive any touch like this from him. The hand that was resting oh so close to your hole moved a little, before plunging inside you without warning. Eyes rolling straight, the pain from him inserting his fingers dry making tears form at the corners of your eyes. He lets out a laugh at your reaction before using this opportunity to attach himself to your neck as his fingers work you open. When you come back to your senses you wonder where to place your hands. Train of thought is momentarily distracted when the thrusts of Leo's fingers turn more pleasurable.

Your own wetness was starting to act as a lubricant, the pain you had felt melting in a pleasurable sensation. Hands choosing to grip Leo's shirt as he makes his own hums of approval at how your body was reacting. You almost yelp when Leo grinds the palm of his hand against your clit, the sudden feeling causing stars to appear in your vision. These sensations Leo was causing were unnatural, you had never indulged in these types of acts, too worried about Leo. How ironic it is that he is the one who will take your innocence and by the way he joyfully bites into your neck you can tell he loves it. An unusual feeling starts to appear in your stomach the more Leo continues his ministrations. He must be able to tell too, the way your body twitches under his hold and how you attempt to grind against his fingers any indicator.

Your eyes start to roll back as Leo's fingers get faster, he has stopped sucking on your neck to watch your face. That feeling in your stomach unexpectedly snaps when Leo curls his fingers just right, causing you to release on him. Back arching up as a squeal escapes as your fluids gush out on Leo. He doesn't remove himself until you're panting. You could barely focus on anything, that sensation taking over your mind. You had never known how great being intimate with Leo would be, always assuming he had no desire in any sort of acts like this. Not that you would have asked him to partake in this with you anyways, however he had indicated this.

Too lost in the aftershocks of your orgasm you hadn't noticed that Leo wasn't in your grasp anymore. It wasn't until his arms slipped under your body and flipped you over onto your stomach did you realize. Face being pushed into the blankets as one hand stays on your head, forcing you into a position with your head down. "My lovely knight, you released so good on my fingers, why not on my cock too huh? You'll enjoy it, but then again you enjoy everything I give you dear knight. So raise your ass up, it'll give me better access." Hands gripping into the blankets as you comply.

You had no room to really respond, face pressed down in such a way you couldn't quite open your mouth. In a moment you feel his tip prodding against your hole. He must have freed himself without you noticing. Pressing your hips back against him as best you could with one of his hands forcing you down, feeling the tip pop in. A muffled moan escapes at the feeling. Only his tip was in yet it was already so much better than his fingers. If your mouth wasn't being forced closed you would be drooling, you were sure of it. Leo continues pushing in, the drag of his thick cock splitting you open was foreign yet so welcoming. Based on his grunts he must be enjoying this as much as you.

When he finally bottoms out you are sure he must be showing through your stomach. You hadn't gotten a good look at his cock but based on feeling alone he must be around nine inches, thick, with veins you could feel dragging against your walls. He wasn't moving, you were grateful. He was letting you get used to the feeling of him. "Do I feel better than you would have imagined? Anyone would be ecstatic to do this with me, how do you feel, dear knight, knowing you're the one I've chosen?" A high pitched whine is your response yet that must have been enough of an answer because Leo only responds with a chuckle as his hips pull out, only to slam back in.

The force of it knocks you further into the blankets, feeling the rough stone underneath. The position was not exactly comfortable but you were with Leo and he wanted you in it. Your ears must be laid back against your head with how good he was fucking into you. You knew your tail was sticking straight up, a lovely sight for him. It wasn't long until you felt him slam into you as far as he could. The feeling of his warm seed inside of you causing you to shiver. With the position you were in it felt like it was flowing deeper inside you. "I see you haven't released my knight. I feel as if I can go once more, how about we do it together? Would you like that? I want to fill you as much as I can but it seems like that won't be today, I am sorry."

You can only hum out a yes, he had not slipped out one bit and the feeling of his thighs pressed flush to your ass was welcomed. It took a moment for the grip he had on your hair to tighten, so close to the sensitive base of your ears you were afraid it'd start hurting. He stays still for a moment, you had thought he'd continue after his words however he is still. His grip on you doesn't let up almost as if he's wanting to build up your anticipation. Wiggling your hips back against him, hoping to get a message across but it does nothing. Leo is totally silent and still behind you, you can't see his face so you have no idea what he's planning.

Just before you're about to protest, he laughs, hips resuming a brutal pace. The loud slapping noises echo throughout the cave, almost blocking out Leo's and your own noises. It doesn't take long before lewd wet sounds join the mix, Leo using his own release as more lubricant. He feels as he's thrusting harder than before, more intent on you having an orgasm than himself. The hand that's not in your hair slides between your thighs, starting to rub harshly against your clit. That familiar coil wines up in your stomach, the rough pounding from Leo and stimulation to your clit almost pushing you to the edge. Leo's own pants from above signal he's close as well, pace becoming more erratic as seconds pass.

A particularly harsh thrust from Leo and you're cumming around his cock, tightening around him as your legs give out, forcing you and him to the floor together. Your hips bang into the rough ground, pain racing through the aftershocks. It distracts you from the fact Leo's releasing once again, cum starting to spill out. He pulls out once he's fully emptied, not seemingly able to handle the tightness of your walls on his sensitive cock.

You can't move, his grip forcing you down is released but your jaw is sore, eyes blurry, and body aching. Hips even more so from the hit to the ground. Leo drops beside you, panting, having lost his shirt at some point as you watch his bare chest rise and fall. His face turns towards you, flush, bangs sticking to his forehead but he smiles. "My knight, that was fantastic. I know it will most likely not take tonight but we can continue some other time. I am not in a rush." Nodding along at his words, barely paying attention as you watch how the dying fire lights up his body in a dull orange glow, still so beautiful.

Before long you realize his eyes haven't opened and his breathing is calm. He had fallen asleep. A sliver of disappointment travels through you but you squish it down, opting instead to cuddle up close next to his warm body and take a rest yourself.

#enstars smut #ensemble stars smut #leo tsukinaga x reader smut #leo tsukinaga x reader #leo tsukinaga smut #enstars x reader smut

49 notes · View notes

bubuslutty · 2 years ago

Text

Love Language

pairing: frank castle x fem!reader x billy russo

word count: 1.7k

tags: domestic fluff, mafia!au, billy never betrayed frank, slight nsfw (it's just like 3 sentences), lowkey obsessive behaviour from Billy, established relationship, no dialogue, filthy rich people shenanigans, billy & Frank are like bodyguards to the reader, no use of y/n, use of 3rd person pov

warning: none

Summary: this is just how billy and Frank love differently, other than using their hands and lips on their favourite girl.

a/n: this also could be read as part of the 'La Reine de Londres' universe if you want.

Frank and Billy are in love with one woman. That's no news. But what's interesting is their different love languages. Even though their hearts belong to each other and one woman, they express their love differently.

Billy is known for his love of luxury and quality. He's not afraid of enjoying and seeking out the best of the best, be it tea, a suit or a gun. Billy's approach to life is a bit hedonistic in a sense. He loves feeling good, loves making people feel good, be it by his hands or by dressing them in silk and gold.

He has always admired the lifestyle of rich and noble people since his rough childhood, how they held themselves and how they saw the world. It was how he came to meet their girl in the first place. He founded Anvil, a private military firm, to put his and Frank's skills to use, to feel like their time in the military didn't go all to waste. And also to build himself his own small empire, to feel in control of his life and do things how he wanted.

He overheard her talking to Wade in a bar, telling him about how she needed a trustworthy team of skilled people to guard her and her assets. Billy offered his service right then and there. That day, she not only took his business card but his attention for the next week.

Billy remembers going back home, telling Frank about the gig he got them, and he didn't leave out how pretty and hypnotizing the mob was. Frank laughed in his face, saying how Billy says that about any woman he sleeps with. But then Billy gave him a look, and Frank realized that his friend might be in a bit of trouble, and so was he.

Months went by, heated glances in the office and kisses at the back of limos became limbs in tangled sheets and remembering how Frank liked his coffee, how many moles Billy had on his skin and how she liked her eggs in the morning.

Then Billy started loving her differently, without his hands, lips or body. Don't get me wrong, he still enjoys touching her more than anything, he just started loving her in a different way. He started buying her things he thought she'd look pretty in and fit her personal style. If he saw a watch that would pair well with some of her other accessories, you better believe Billy would buy it and gift it to the mob with a kiss on the back of her hand, her neck and her lips.

Of course, Billy bought her flowers, pots of plants, and any plants he thought she didn't have and would love to look after. His gifts seemed normal and pretty common to receive from your lover at the beginning, but then his gifts became bigger, filling a hole in his soul and satisfying a hunger he always had.

He bought her a sports car, even though she already has multiple and barely drives them. But for Billy, she dressed in one of Billy’s favourite dresses on her, the white slip-on that stopped just below her ass and was backless, leaving her back, arms, neck and legs naked. She drove to the ridiculously expensive sports car to one of their favourite high-end restaurants and as soon as they arrived, she was dragged to the toilets and ended up with Billy between her legs with her back to the wall.

He even purchased her a house in the countryside next to a forest and farms. Billy just bought the house because it was old, owned by a Lord a hundred years ago and he couldn't take the image of his girl lounging around the house in silky robes while sunbathing like a cat for hours. It's not even a house, really, it's more of a small castle.

When they would be in the castle during weekends and holidays, Billy got his favourite woman sculpted by a group of young artists from the University nearby. You should have seen his face when he saw the leaflets in the local grocery store, looking for models so the students would get to practice with real-life subjects. He phoned the University that same day and got an appointment with the Fine Arts Professor the next day.

When he told her, she was surprised and told him how she didn't have all the time in the world to be standing there and getting sculpted, no matter how flattering it is to be considered beautiful enough to sculpt. Billy nearly got on his knees while explaining that they would work around her schedule and that it was a dream of his to get a statue sculpted of her, just like Greek deities.

And she accepted. At first, she had to accompany Billy to the University, to meet the teacher and some of the students, but also to see their work and projects. Billy was definitely impressed by the skills of the students and couldn't wait to have them sculpt his girl.

Billy offered their home to use as a studio to sculpt for a couple of days. The professor was hesitant until Billy told him where they lived and he immediately grinned with excitement, sharing that his students would love the change of scenery and feel as if they were actual sculptors being commissioned by a Lord to sculpt his Lady. Billy also shared his one and only condition, which was to keep any finished work of his girl. After all, it was simply for practice. The students accepted once they found out who and where they would work.

Then it was paintings.

When they met some of her clients, Steve and Bucky, a friendship quickly blossomed. Billy found himself really enjoying the presence of the two super soldiers, whenever they showed up at her office or when they were invited over for tea. Once when they were talking, Billy looked to the side and found Steve completely absorbed in a piece of paper. He had a pencil in hand, sketching away while everyone else was absorbed in the conversation.

Billy was curious and took a peek, and was surprised to find Steve sketching his girlfriend's profile as she went on about something that Billy had no ability to focus on because all he could see was the sketch and the sketch alone. After that, Billy made it his mission to ask Steve more about his art, which then transformed into an invitation to Steve's personal art studio where he showed the throuple his work.

Billy soon offered to commission Steve for a painting of his girl. He was willing to allow Steve months to paint and sketch, provide him with space in their home to paint and pay him beyond generously for his time and skills. Steve accepted immediately, he loved art, and he would love to paint the woman. She was absolutely beautiful and one of his muses after all.

Steve would end up sitting in the middle of their spacious living room in their château, surrounded by brushes and paint tubes, and a big canvas. While his subject was lounging on a sofa, her body half covered by thin white fabric, falling in her curves and dips and hugging her skin like the fabric was weaved for her skin and her skin only.

Billy would make tea, prepare snacks and sit down to admire his girl. He would talk during the process, ask her about her day and whatnot when Steve was not painting her face. Then he would feed her when she wanted a snack or a drink and was not allowed to move. And when they were done for the day, he would run her a bath, sit behind her and tell her about how much he loves her and how beautiful and perfect she is. Then when she was all dried up, he would rub lotion into her precious skin and massage her back and calves. As long as she's his, he's going to treat his so much better than anyone ever could, making goddesses in ancient myths jealous.

Frank on the other hand is a bit different. He’s the most himself when he gets to express his love through acts of service. Frank loves domestic life. There is something in the simplicity of it that makes him feel truly at ease and most comfortable.

Frank would rather do something by himself than hire someone to do it instead. He can cook, so he will cook for Billy and their girl. He can fix doors, creaky hinges, flickering light bulbs and practically anything. If something breaks in their home? Call Frank. He would be more than happy to fix it.

Frank once found his girl crouched on the floor, almost crying at a flower pot that fell and broke, and it wasn't just any flower pot, it was a gift from one of her friends. Frank looked at the mess of dirt and broken pieces and reassured her that he could fix it. It won't be as perfect as new, but he will save it as much as he can. And he did, and now it sits in their kitchen near the window and not a day goes by that Frank doesn't get all warm and fuzzy whenever he sees his girl smiling while watering the flowers in the pot.

If the clasp of his girl's watch broke? Frank would try to fix it by himself, and more often than not he succeeds. That man was so good with his hands, he could practically do anything. Not only can he wring out orgasm after orgasm from her with just his hands, but he can build her an indoor jacuzzi, refurbish their kitchen, build a shed from scratch and would damn well build a house if she asked him to.

He loves having projects to do. He needs to have something to fill his time outside of work. His girl was thinking about installing a new bookshelf in her office? Frank has already measured the space, found what type of wood his girl would like the most, how big or small she would want it and how long it'll take to build. He's truly a DIY man.

No matter how much Billy tells him to leave something alone because they can call someone to take care of it, Frank never listens. He will do it himself. This is his home, his family, and he will pour his blood, sweat and tears into building it.

He's a sentimental man after all, he wants to leave his mark on everything that surrounds him and the people he loves.

tag list (pls ask to be added or removed): @awkwardalie @enretrogue @itwasthereaminuteago @snowkestrel @hellskitchenswhore @reveluving

193 notes · View notes

channieskies · 7 months ago

Text

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐈𝐈𝐈: 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝

Pairing: Prince Hyunjin x Reader (AFAB)

Genre: Historical|Au, Fantasy|Au, Strangers to Lovers, Royalty|Au, Angst, Smut (Eventual), NSFW tags are below.

Synopsis: The kingdom of Volantis is in disarray; the monarch rules with an iron fist. The times of hope, harmony, and kindness were buried with the queen who passed many years ago. The people are praying for a savior, but who will be their light at the end of this dark tunnel?

Authors Note: Please reblog or leave a comment to let me know how you feel. I'd love a little feedback. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. As per usual, this hasn't been proofread.

Word Count: [Reading Time: 10 Mins]

Disclaimer: This story does not reflect the real lives or personalities of Stray Kids. I do not know them personally. This is purely a work of fiction.

Looking for another chapter? Click here: 🇸‌🇹‌🇴‌🇷‌🇾‌ 🇮‌🇳‌🇩‌🇪‌🇽‌

Warning: This chapter contains mentions of violence, mentions of death, slight description of bodily harm.

Venia froze in place. No one here knew her by that name. She went by an alias, so that anyone looking for her wouldn’t find her there. Her instincts kicked in, and she quickly covered the prince with her body, stretching her arms out in front of him protectively. “How do you know that name? Who sent you?” The young woman stepped back, pulling her identification from her pocket. All nobles, high born, and royals were given metal plated id’s that let people know their status by color. Gold and jade for the monarchy, Silver and often encrusted for high borns, bronze for nobles that aren’t of high born blood, and painted wood for workers and low born.

The class system of Volantis was pretty simple. Those who were Royalty were the highest ranked, given that they were a part of the monarchy of the country. High borns were next, they were usually distantly related to royalty in some form or fashion, or they were of the first settlers in this land. Both of your parents' families were of the first men, making your i.d silver and encrusted with rubies. Usually trade workers had colorfully painted wood i.d’s, the color usually corresponded with whatever occupation they were in. Low born had plain wood badges to indicate their status.

You were a high born citizen with family records that predated the ones of the royal family. “I’m Y/n, daughter of Ermias Orev of the king's high council.” Hyunjin reached for your i.d checking to see what one looked like. He’d seen his identification once. It was being thrown at him through the window of the coach as he was being exiled. Even then he didn’t get a good look at it, as it was being chucked at his head. Yours had intricate little shapes on it, but one in particular stood out; the apple shaped ruby at the top of it. What did it mean?

Venia’s mind started to race. If you were here, that means that something may have happened to your father, why else would he send you in his stead? Without Ermias how could she keep the prince safe? “Your father? What of him?” She grabbed both your shoulders, panic once again written on her face. You smiled, hoping to reassure her, but she was too far gone with assuming the worst.

“Due to my fathers injury and health, I volunteered to escort the prince back into the kingdom. My father will meet us once we reach the castle city of Solaris. He knows a way in, since we obviously can’t waltz right in the front door.” Venia’s face visibly relaxed. Her hands dropped to her sides.

“I take it you are the eldest of his girls?” She looked around the room, “And what of the young man your father took in? If you are here, he shouldn’t be too far.” You chuckled. She wasn’t wrong, Minho was usually right by your side, no matter where you went. He was both a brother and an overprotective bodyguard.

“He’s here. He’s actually the one who spotted ....” You nodded your head towards the prince, not wanting to out his status. That would make transporting him to Solaris an even more arduous task than it already was. “How- how should I address him?” You leaned into Venia, so only she could hear.

“By his name for now. There is no use of titles here, milady.” You gave her a look of confusion since her words didn’t match her addressing you as ‘milady’. “Forgive me, it’s out of habit. Y/n.” She corrected herself, “I guess I should formally introduce the two of you.” She grabbed Hyunjin’s arm and pulled him forward, like your mother would do whenever she’d introduce you to her new friends. “Hyunjin, this is Ermias’ eldest daughter, Y/n. She’s to be your escort to Solaris.” His head snapped to his mother figure in shock, not because of you or your parentage, but because of the destination.

“Solaris? Wait, are you sure about this?” He loudly whispered more to her than you. “I thought I couldn’t go back?” All these years he was under the assumption that he could never be seen in the castle walls again. He missed seeing his mothers picture that hung above the fireplace in the great hall. Missed the sweet smell of roses that bloomed in her garden. Missed the plush mattress that he once slept on. Even after all these years, that was still the place he called home.

“Your Hig-” You cleared your throat before you made the mistake of calling him by his title. “Hyunjin. It is my understanding that right now is as good as any. Truthfully, this might be the most opportune time to go. There are people that are looking to dismantle everything in place right now, and we need you to strengthen the… erm, you know. Father has been keeping an eye on anyone he thinks is conspiring against you and your family, and sadly there are quite a few that wish to see change.” He stared. It wasn’t something he was doing on purpose, he was just trying to figure out where he’d seen your face before. But your words weren’t being ignored or missed, he understood very well the treachery that that crown faced. He’d read about that, he liked educating himself on all of the fallen kingdoms of yesteryear.

You assumed he was intensely gaping at you because of your wounds and felt scrutinized under his gaze. You placed a hand over your arm to try and draw his attention elsewhere. Venia cleared her throat, sensing the awkward tension that was building. “Did you have a lot of trouble getting this far, my child?” She gently placed her hand over your own, pulling it away from the wound. “We should take care of this, yeah?” She had a very sweet smile, one like a mothers. She led you to a backroom, one you assumed she often had dealing in. “How did you get so badly beaten, my child?” She sat you on a lone wooden chair by the large window. You could see the mountain where the villagers got the metals from in the distance.

“We were attacked by bandits. But one… he just didn’t seem human. He was the tallest man I’ve ever seen, Taller than my father by a long shot. He had talons for nails and a concerning amount of strength. But the most unsettling part about it all was the mask he wore….” You paused, not wanting to scare her with the details, but she nodded for you to continue. Hyunjin stepped into the room, leaning against the doorframe. A shiver went down his spin as you described the man who attacked you. How anyone could have the audacity to raise a hand to you completely astounded him. “It was a mask made up of other people's faces, sewn together to make it look like one person's face. But the different skin tones were a dead give away aside from the very obvious seams.” Venia halted her tending of your wounds, mouth agape. She’d heard about the bandits from this area, but she’d never encountered them herself, thankfully.

They were known to be incredibly savage. Where most bandits would steal food here and there, maybe rob a passerby. There were two groups one in the south, Vipers crew, and one here in the north, Tigran the lunatic and his band of crazies. She knew the guy you fought wasn’t Tigran, he was known to be notoriously short. Most figured that was where his hate for other humans stemmed from. “What happened to the bandits? Did they follow you?” Your eyes locked with Minho who stood watch in the halls. You both were quiet after the incident, not really talking to one another until he spotted Hyunjin. You didn’t know if it was his first time taking a life, since he did it with such ease and didn’t really seem phased by it. But you were uncomfortably unsettled with what you had done.

“They… they're dead.” You jumped to your feet, ready to defend your inexorable actions. “We had no choice. It was their lives or ours-”

“Dear,” Venia grabbed your trembling hand. “I’m glad you made it here. That you and Minho are alive and well.” She smiled, and it soothed some of your incertitude. “Now, let's sit and get you all patched up.” You didn’t object. Venia was much like your mother in the way that you couldn’t refuse her. It was something in the way that they talked that made you feel they were serious in what they meant, but it was said in a claiming tone that made you want to do what they asked of you. “This looks like it’s headed toward an infection. But it happened today… how..” She spoke of the four large gashes on your arm, “Minho, tell the barkeep to give me the highest proof alcohol they have.” He gave a single nod before heading off.

Hyunjin sat idly, watching silently as Venia commanded the room. He couldn’t understand how people moved when she asked them with little to no resistance. She was never aggressive or mean with her actions, you did what she asked because she asked nicely. She looked like a person of royal heritage while he felt like a fish out of water. It was clear he was the only one who didn't have many interactions with people. He was awkwardly perched in the corner, sweaty hands clasped together in hopes of finding the courage to join the conversation. He wanted to offer a witty quip or good advice, but his conversation starting skills were limited to art or thing's he'd read in books. He had no real life experience unfortunately. Where it seemed like Venia, you, and Minho were the exact opposite of him and he envied that.

Hyunjin had limited interactions with people, especially outside of the ones that were laboring in the castle. Even as a child, other princes and princesses were known to have a companion. Hyunjin did not. Sure, he’d met plenty of other royal children, even a few nobel ones. But being able to have a lasting relationship was never in the cards for him. His father seemed to sabotage almost every bit of happiness the child had. Almost every child from a different kingdom that he’d met had subsequently been conquered by his father and his army. And for what? His mother’s name? Because he loved her so much that he wanted to scorch the earth in her name? Though he didn’t get the chance to properly meet her, from what he’d been told and what he’d read, she wasn’t that type of woman. She was kind, goodhearted, and wanted to uplift the people of Volantis. She didn’t want her people to suffer.

This was a woman who actively implemented plans to help the less fortunate in this realm and volunteered her time to make sure that these things went on without a hitch. Scorch the earth for what? His father was just angry with no direction to it. He couldn’t pinpoint the source of his anger, so he blamed any and everybody else instead of learning to deal with it. Truthfully, he hoped that his step-mother didn’t feel slighted because of his fathers choices. Hyunjin couldn’t imagine not being able to live up to a ghost. But in a way, he guessed he did have to deal with that. His father hated him. He’d repeatedly told him that the death of his mother was his fault and he should not have allowed him to live. It was just verbal abuse at first. It hurt, but being a happy and optimistic child helped him to get over that or at least to not let it cut him too deep.

He thought at first that maybe this was just how king’s were. That they were rough on their prince’s, mean. That was until he saw the bond between the Kingdom of Perth’s king and his eldest son, Christopher. Hyunjin was merely eight when his heart broke for the first time. The vision of this father that was so affectionate with his son, who spoke words of encouragement to him, was heartbreaking. He knew then that his and his fathers relationship was far from normal. He guessed his father felt it too, because the physical abuse started after the ball that night. He stated that families should be happy and whole and that Hyunjin ruined his chances of that by killing Aeri. His lashings after were sporadic, he’d often take out his frustrations on the boy after a hard day of things not going his way. Those were the only times he’d see his son outside of public events where the monarchy needed to be seen together.

On Hyunjin’s tenth birthday, he awoke to the sounds of his clothes being stuffed into beautifully ornate chests. His eyes were barely adjusted to the light of the early morning, his eyes immediately fixing on the woman sitting at his bedside. “Venia, are father and I finally traveling together?” She’d tried to keep her face calm, afraid he’d read the sadness that crowded her heart if she did not. “I’ve never been on a trip with my father before. What do you think we’ll do?” He sat up excitedly, throwing the covers off his little legs. She hated that she was left with the task of telling the boy what his fathers intentions were. She sighed heavily, her head finally falling.

“You aren’t going on a trip, your highness. Your father is sending you away.” The boy’s head titled. Her words were plain and simple, but yet, he still couldn’t understand what she meant. It was evident that his father didn’t like him, but Hyunjin understood that it was because of his mothers passing. But to think that he disliked him enough to send him away was ludacris. His father would never, or so he thought.

“I’m going on vacation by myself?” She shook her head, confirming the small thoughts that were floating in his. “I’m being banished..” The way his voice fell made Venia’s heart break. To be so young and to understand the ways of the world and not have the opportunity to be a child, was one of the things hated the most about the monarchy. The same thing happened to the Queen. She was married off at fifteen and though they tried to get pregnant starting the night of their wedding, it took years of stillbirths and miscarriages before she gave birth to the prince. No one that young should have to deal with that type of mental and physical torture.

“I’m going with you. I told your mother I’d stay by your side, and that's a promise I plan on keeping.” She wiped the tears that started to flow from his eyes. “We will always have each other, Hyunjin.” She whispered his name, the rest of the staff didn’t need to know of their special relationship. She cared for the boy as if he were her own, and little did she know, he felt the same exact way. He hugged Venia, her warmth being the exact comfort he needed.

Once their coach was packed with all of their belongings, she said farewell to her friends that she'd known since her arrival at the castle some twenty odd years before. It was a sad goodbye, but she knew she was doing the right thing by being the support that Hyunjin needed during this time. She didn’t want to see the last living piece of her dear friend parrish, because his father was too blinded by his own rage to see how much of an asset the boy was. Just as Aeri did all those years before, Venia felt that Hyunjin could bring peace to the realm once again, if he was given the tools to do so. She’d make sure that he would succeed whenever that time came. For now, working around being exiled was her first task.

They were settled in their coach, the coachman was ready to go as well but they stayed in place just long enough for the castle doors to be forced open. No one alerted them that the king was coming to see the prince off. Judging by the angry look on his face, Venia knew nothing good was going to come from this farewell. He snatched the door open and threw something right at Hyunjin’s head. Venia quickly moved to protect the boy, bringing his head to her chest and clasping a hand over his ear so he wouldn’t have to hear the foul things that were about to be spewed from his fathers mouth. “If you ever bring him back here. I’ll kill him myself.” He spat the vile words with poisonous disdain dripping from his tongue.

That was sadly the final image Hyunjin would remember of his home and of his father. Thankfully the words that came from his mouth were muffled and he couldn’t make them out, thanks to Venia. But he would never forget how he felt in the last moments outside the castle of Solaris.

A.N: Please reblog or leave a comment to let me know how you feel. I'd love a little feedback. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it.

[Rewrites, Reposts, and Translations are Prohibited]

#stray kids #hyunjin #hwang hyunjin x reader #hwang hyujin imagines #neverendingdreams #hyunjin x you #hyunjin x read #prince hyunjin #chaptered fic #kpop fanfic #stray kids imagines #stray kids x reader #stray kids royal au #hyunjin royal au #skz drabbles #skz au #skz x female reader

22 notes · View notes

catsafarithewriter · 5 months ago

Text

Day 5: Bodyguard

A/N: This is the second (and final) half of the red thread au that I originally posted as Day 1: Red Thread of Fate's prompt. Due to the length, and realising it also related well to today's prompt, I decided to split it. (I'm also running a day late, so I'm using today's 'free day' (usually used for a ficlet of my own choice) to catch up!

Muta has watched over Lady Haru Yoshioka ever since he was appointed her bodyguard.

Longer, in fact.

Over the years, he has seen parades of princes present themselves before her. He has seen hordes of heroes make hopeful promises of breaking her curse. He has seen herds of knights riding in, and then riding out when all their bluster came to naught.

He has learnt that, deep down, they're all the same. All men, seeking money or power or glory, and seeing Haru as nothing more than a stepping stone to their success. And he should know: it was an encounter with one such monster that set him on the path of bodyguard.

The difference is, this time around Haru seems to have forgotten that.

This Humbert - not Baron, Muta knows the man is not a baron, for no titled lord would travel with so little, without even the whisper of an entourage - is no better than the rest. He has seen too many of Humbert's ilk to believe otherwise.

"He's a liar, Chicky," Muta warns Haru while she takes a constitutional walk around the gardens. "He's not even a baron."

Haru's stride doesn't break. "You seem awfully sure of this, Muta."

"Well, he can't be. What kind of noble travels with only a talking cane for company?"

"A cursed one, perhaps?"

"A disowned one, Chicky."

"And how do you know that?"

"I heard yer father talking about it."

She looks back then, raising an eyebrow she has perfected from him. "And my father is always right, huh?"

"The source was sound." When she doesn't look convinced, he adds, "He's been here long enough that even your father is gonna look into things. He sent a messenger to Humbert's family. Turns out, he's been disowned."

"And?"

"And, if he's happy to lie about that, what else is he gonna fib over? Yer can't be sure he isn't just like the rest. Saying whatever he needs to get him where he wants to be."

"You cannot be sure of that."

"Nah, but when have any of the wannabe heroes been decent? And he's cursed."

"So am I."

Muta shakes his head roughly. "That's different, Chicky, and we both know it. Men like him, curses like his, they come from a certain kind of action, a certain kind of karma. Beasts, they don't get like that because of some family curse, but because they did something. What do you think he did?"

"I don't know, Muta," Haru says.

"Yer do. Yer know what kind of people get cursed."

"Yes, but he's not-"

"Not what? Cruel? Selfish? With a face like that, he's probably gotten pretty good at hiding it, 'cause it's already on the surface. Yer can't trust him, Chicky."

Haru does pause now. The roses she stands beside are in full bloom, blood-red and clustered with thorns. Despite all this, she rolls a blossom between her fingers. "No one else has bothered to make an effort, Muta." She doesn't look at him. "We both know all the wannabe heroes only try to break my curse because of the gold or the chance to marry into my family. And they've all given up the moment their plans came to nothing. But Baron... he's stayed."

"He's stubborn. It doesn't mean he's honest."

"It means something, Muta. At least to me."

Warning bells ring in Muta's ears, even louder than when he realised Baron had his eyes set on Haru. He realises Humbert has given Haru something more dangerous than proclamations of love or vows of curse-breaking.

He's given her hope.

When they rejoin Baron, he's buried up to his elbows in paperwork. An ocean of files and documents floods the desk, and it's only by some nifty elbow-pinning and sheer luck that it hasn't cascaded to the floor yet.

Muta raises an eyebrow. "Natori's gonna have yer head when he sees the mess you've made of his records."

"I have a system," Humbert insists. "I think." He pauses, and glances up. "Which one's Natori? Is he the..." and Humbert gives a wild grin, "one?"

"Nah, he's the," and Muta mimed readjusting imaginary glasses, "one."

"Ah. Duly noted."

Haru approaches the table and inspects the chaos. "Dare I ask what you're doing?"

"The logic, I think, is sound," Humbert says. "There may not be records of the identity of the peasant girl, but there are records of everyone who officially attended."

"And?" Muta prompted.

"And, that means that every eligible lady who officially attended the ball can be ruled out."

Haru perches on a stack of books remaining from a previous spat of research. "So you're trying to identify a single peasant girl out of... how many?"

"Many," Toto says with a tired sigh. "I have try to tell him that the chances of singling her out are next to impossible, but..."

"Next to impossible is not quite the same as actually impossible," Humbert says cheerfully. "Between the two lives a little island of fated serendipity."

"And have you landed on this little island?" Haru asks.

"...No." Humbert retrieves a list that is on the seabed of the paperwork. It's long and every inch is inked with names. "So far, these are the individuals I have identified as being present and eligible in the area at the time of the balls, but who did not attend."

Haru doubtfully takes the list. "And you're going to... what? Contact every single woman here - assuming they're still alive - and ask if they happened to attend a ball several decades back while wearing glass slippers?"

"...Yes." Humbert begins to say something, and then pauses. The magnitude of his task begins to dawn on him. "I didn't say it would work but it's an idea. And a novel one at that."

"What are you going to tell my father? You can't admit you're looking for this woman."

"I shall be sure to give some other clever reason for my search," Humbert says. "I shall disguise the important questions among the rest, so no one realises my true intent." He holds out a hand for the list. "I've just found another possible candidate. May I have this back?"

Haru hesitates. "No one's ever gone to such lengths for this."

"Then I shall be the first. Or possibly the most optimistic." Humbert smiles. "If it can help you, it must be worth a try."

Muta doesn't miss Haru's smitten grin as she returns the list.

The search turns up nothing. Of course it does. Muta could have told them that - but then again, Muta could tell a whole lot of things, and none of them will do anyone any good. For instance, what good will it do to tell them that peasant girls become peasant women, who marry travelling merchants and go on to see the world? None at all, and it would only add more questions to the mix.

Still, Humbert searches. It lasts for a good few weeks, nearly a month and to the end of Lord Yoshioka's patience, before he admits defeat. For weeks, Muta watches as Humbert travels out into the city and countryside, disappearing from Haru's side to question woman after woman after woman, all to no avail.

There must, Muta thinks, be easier ways for a cursed noble to earn some gold.

"I must admit, there is one thing that has been bothering me for a while," Humbert says, another week into dead ends and wild goose chases. They're in the library, as they so often are, and even Muta has begun to begrudgingly relax. This has become routine. Safe.

(He still doesn't trust Humbert. Not officially.)

"Only the one?" Haru teases.

"Well, one novel thing," he amends. "It's taken me until now to put my finger on it... no pun intended, but when you originally told me of previous attempts to remove the thread, you said that you already knew you couldn't cut it off."

"Yes. And?"

"Your exact comment was that you've known since you were a child."

"Yes. And?"

Humbert doesn't reply immediately, but instead seems to consider his next words with care. "It's merely that... from the official records, it seems as though your father only turned his attention to breaking the curse when you were some years into adulthood."

Haru says nothing and, after a hesitation, Humbert seems to take this as confirmation to continue.

"It only occurs to me now that it seems... odd, chronologically-speaking, that you should know such a thing long before your father sought to break it."

Haru looks away from him, and only Muta catches the bittersweet smile that flitters across her face. "I guess I could tell you that it was merely an accident of youth, that my hand slipped while eating and that my knife should have cleaved straight through it, but..." She shrugs. "Well, would you believe me?"

"Do you want me to?"

She looks to him then, and Muta can read the softening of her shoulders, the guard dropping. "Would you? If I asked?"

"Yes."

She dances her hand over her gloved fingers, brushing past the littlest one and its unseen thread. It's a nervous tic, Muta knows, but one that helps steel her. "When I was a child," she said softly, "I hated what it represented. I hated the choice it took away from me and the stranger it tied me to, but most of all I hated how only I seemed to see it as a curse. For my whole childhood, everyone around me acted as though the fairy had misjudged, that I'd been given a blessing in disguise..." Her little finger curls into her palm. "The funny thing is, once everyone started to treat it as a curse, then it felt like a blessing."

"How?"

"I realised that had I not been cursed, my father would have already had me betrothed, regardless of my own interest." Her hands flit across her finger again. "This curse gave me a little breathing space, the ability to be more than just a bride or wife." She chuckles weakly. "Of course, I became relegated to prize instead, but given that no one seems able to win said prize..."

Humbert lets her trail off. For several moments, there's only the ticking of the library clock and the sound of birdsong from the windows.

"Haru... do you want the curse broken?"

She smiles wanly. "Well, I don't think I get much say in that, either way."

"I could leave."

"What?"

"I am here to break the curse," he reminds her gently. "And if that's what you want, I will stay here until I find a way. But if you don't want it broken, then I should go."

"Do you have to?" Haru asks. "Couldn't you just, you know, pretend to be working on it?"

"Haru, your father is already wary enough of how much time I've spent here. He's only tolerated my presence this far because all reports show I am working to break it." He glances to Muta, as if wondering whether the guard is one of the lord's informants. Muta could put him out of his misery, assure Humbert he reports to no one, not least of all the lord, but he doesn't. "And, if I continue to find novel ways to try to undo the spell, then one day I might just succeed."

Haru is quiet for a long moment. "What did you do?" she asks softly.

"Do?" Humbert echoes.

She nods to his face. "To, you know, get your curse."

He doesn't quite stare, but he does still. His posture doesn't alter, and yet Muta gets the impression that's only hiding the whirring of his mind as the cursed noble tries to make sense of the sudden topic change. "Is that really the question you want to ask?"

"Yes."

His smile is soft. Sad. "Then I'm afraid it's not a flattering portrayal of the person I once was. But, then again, you've probably already guessed that."

"Curses like yours," Haru says quietly, "they come from a certain kind of action. A certain kind of karma."

"An act of selfishness," Humbert translates.

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't need to." Now, Humbert finally shifts, leaning forward to the desk. It looks like a steadying action. A bracing action. "On the estate where I was raised, my father would throw winter feasts – large, extravagant affairs catering to the comfortably moneyed – and when I came of an age, I was charged with greeting our guests. As the youngest of three brothers, I was excited to finally be able to play a part, a role I took to with a good deal of earnestness."

He hesitates.

"An old beggar-woman came to the door that bitter winter night. She was cold and suffering and far from the kind of person my family would look kindly on, and I..."

"You refused her entry," Haru finishes.

"I refused her entry." He doesn't meet Haru's gaze, and Muta wonders if he's still seeing echoes of that night. "I knew my father would be angry if she was seen by our guests on that most auspicious of nights, so I refused on the first time she asked, and the second, and on the third she revealed herself to be a fairy. I prided my family reputation over the life of another, and for that I was transformed into the beast you see today."

Humbert passes one hand over the other, in almost the same way Muta has seen Haru do so many times before - but in Humbert's case, his fingers brush over the gap between sleeve and glove. A sliver of ginger fur is just visible; a fragmented reminder of Humbert's curse, while the rest of the evidence - save his tail and face - is so carefully hidden away.

"How old were you?" Haru asks.

"Old enough to have known better, that's all that matters."

"Such curses can be broken-"

"Not this one, Haru. Not anymore; too much time has passed."

"No, but... at first." Haru's nose wrinkles into a grimace. "If you had met someone, fallen in love..."

"To do such a thing, I would have to meet people," Humbert says. "And my family were mortified by my transformation."

"You're not hideous-"

"Not by the details of my apparance," he clarifies, "but by what it represented. Like you said, a curse like mine come from a certain kind of action." He glances to Muta. "Not incorrectly, but to have acknowledged my enchantment would be to admit one of their own was capable of such selfishness, so I was hidden away. When I eventually decided I had had enough of being a secret, I left, but not before the curse had become permanent and my family disowned me."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It was my own doing that left me like this."

"For your family, I mean," Haru says. "They shouldn't have abandoned you like that, they should have tried to help..."

"Yes, well, families are complicated things. Their help can come in all kinds of forms, even the kind you don't want." Humbert pauses, and then adds, "Sometimes, I think the fairy did me a kind of mercy."

"Howso?"

"Well, if life had continued, uninterrupted, I would probably still be there, echoing the kind of heartlessness I was raised in. By forcing me to become an outsider in my own home, I saw their callousness for what it really was. It made me want to be everything they weren't - to help without self-interest, to be kind merely for the sake of it - and it brought me here."

He looks to Haru then.

"I am glad I met you, Lady Haru. But I think we both know it is time I left."

"I don't," Haru says stubbornly. "You don't have to go, we can find a way, a reason for you to stay, even if it's not to break the curse-"

Humbert gently takes Haru's left hand and lifts it to his lips. She stills, cheeks flushed in a way no other do-gooder has prompted before. Humbert sees this, and smiles sadly. "We both know that my continued presence here will only make things... messy. Someday, Haru, this curse will be broken or you will find your soulmate, and in either scenario I can be nothing more than a bystander."

"I can refuse," Haru says hoarsely.

"Your soulmate? The suitors your father has ready?"

"Both. Either. All." She clasps her hands around his. "I want to choose you."

"You don't-"

"I do."

"Even after everything I've just told you-"

"I do," she repeats, this time with heightened fervour. "I want to choose the man who, despite knowing it might make me hate him, told me the truth. I want to choose the man who took a curse and used it to make himself kinder, who grew from it in a way my own father never has." She leans forward, speaking quicker now, as if afraid she is going to lose the moment or her nerve, or possibly both. "I want to choose the man who has spent months trying to break an impossible curse, who picked through decades-old records looking for clues, who saw me as a human, not a prize. I want to choose you, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen."

"Chicky..." Muta starts gently.

"Not now, Muta! I know, I know it's impossible, but I-"

Muta drops a hand onto her shoulder, and the rest of her argument is gone as she looks to him.

Muta has watched over Lady Haru Yoshioka ever since he was appointed her bodyguard.

Longer, in fact.

To some, taking on as a secret godchild the daughter of the man who had broken the heart of the previous godchild would be mere folly. But Muta has always been stubborn. And a bit petty. Admittedly, perhaps a lot petty. Other fairies would have washed their hands of the whole family, but Muta had suspected that the daughter of a man like Lord Yoshioka would need more help than most.

After all, a man who married for riches would surely ensure his daughter did the same.

So what better revenge than giving his daughter the kindness to find love on her own terms?

Because he's discovered that sometimes blessings like golden carriages and glass slippers can be a curse, and sometimes you have to make a curse into a blessing to save someone. Sometimes, the best blessing you can give someone is the abliity to choose for themselves.

"Choose," he says.

A heartbeat passes. He thinks she's not going to understand, or not follow through, but then she's tugging her gloves loose and then Humbert's. Her own she shakes off at the end, struggling against the sudden adrenaline-fuelled trembling, and then she holds Humbert's hands - one cursed palm in another.

She twists the red thread of fate around her fingers and somehow - impossibly - finds an end.

"You," she says to Humbert, and she ties it around his thumb. "I choose you."

#red thread au #cat writes #tcr fanfic #tcr birthday bash #the cat returns #tcr birthday bash 2024 #day 5 bodyguard #i would have loved to put more foreshadowing for the muta reveal #buuuut somedays the clues just don't line up #this duo i think i will add to ao3 in time #also was the 'nearly impossible' line a mangled misremembered princess brde reference? youll never know

16 notes · View notes